Phase 2 tafasitamab CD19 cytolytic mAb + rituximab CD20 mAb in untreated follicular lymphoma

This University of Washington–sponsored Phase 2, single-arm study (with Incyte Corporation collaboration) tests whether adding tafasitamab to rituximab can deepen first-remission quality in newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma (FL) grade 1–3A/classic with measurable nodal disease. Tafasitamab (Incyte; Monjuvi/Minjuvi) is an Fc-engineered anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody designed to enhance immune-effector killing of malignant B cells, while rituximab (anti-CD20) is a foundational B-cell–depleting antibody used across indolent B-cell lymphomas. Patients receive rituximab + tafasitamab intensively in cycles 1–3, then less frequently through cycles 4–6, followed by response-adapted continuation of tafasitamab through cycle 12 for those without complete response. The key scientific/commercial angle is moving a CD19-targeted antibody earlier in FL, leveraging strong CD19 prevalence on FL cells while keeping chemotherapy off the table upfront for appropriate patients. Today’s care for newly diagnosed FL ranges from observation for low-burden disease to rituximab-based therapy (rituximab alone, bendamustine-rituximab, or obinutuzumab-chemo) based on symptoms, tumor burden, and risk—this trial explores whether dual CD19+CD20 antibody therapy can improve depth of response without cytotoxic chemo.