# The Efficacy of Polatuzumab Vedotin Targeting CD79B in the Treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

## TL;DR

Polatuzumab vedotin improves response rates and survival in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients, but causes more side effects.

## Contribution

A meta-analysis showing PoV improves complete response rates and progression-free survival in NHL patients.

## Key findings

- PoV significantly improved complete response rates compared to control treatments.
- PoV improved progression-free survival but not overall survival in NHL patients.
- PoV was associated with increased adverse events compared to control treatments.

## Abstract

Polatuzumab vedotin (PoV) is a novel antibody-drug conjugate that targets CD79B for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL). This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PoV in patients with NHL. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials evaluating PoV in NHL were conducted. The primary outcomes were complete response (CR) rates, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Safety outcomes were also assessed. Random-effects models were used for the pooled analyses. Thirteen studies with 1533 patients with NHL were included. PoV significantly improved CR rates compared to control treatments (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.01–2.21, p = 0.04) and PFS (MD 4.17 months, 95% CI 2.18–6.15, p < 0.0001). OS was not significantly different (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.47–2.01, p = 0.93). Adverse events were more common with PoV (RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.98–1.94, p < 0.0001). PoV improves CR rates and PFS in patients with NHL, particularly those with relapsed/refractory disease, but is associated with increased adverse events. Further research is needed on long-term survival outcomes and optimal patient selection. PoV appears to be a promising targeted therapy option for NHL, which warrants further investigation.