World Lymphoma Awareness Day Highlights Innovation in Patient Care

Lymphoma is anticipated to affect over 80,000 Americans in 2025, showing the substantial burden and prevalence of this disease. September 15 is World Lymphoma Awareness Day, an observance dedicated to raising awareness about the most common type of blood cancer.^1-3

World Lymphoma Awareness Day

Lymphoma

Lymphoma refers to a type of hematologic malignancy that originates in the lymphatic system and is characterized by the abnormal growth of lymphocytes. These cells grow quickly and then divide to create more abnormal lymphocytes, which then outnumber healthy cells and steal nutrients and energy.³

There are over 70 different types of lymphoma ranging in aggressiveness and speed of progression. The main 2 types are Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). NHL is the most prevalent at a rate of 48.6% and accounts for nearly 4% of all cancers. Alternatively, HL is less common (7%).^4,5

Lymphomas are categorized by whether the cancer is affecting B cells or T cells. B-cell lymphomas include chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, HL, and others. Examples of T-cell lymphomas are extranodal natural killer T-cell, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, Cutaneous lymphomas, and T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.⁶

Emerging Data and Research

Treatment across lymphoma types experienced significant advancements over the past few decades, marked by the development of novel therapies and continued discovery of underlying disease pathology. Here are some key trends in lymphoma in 2025.

GOLCA Plus Rituximab in Relapsed/Refractory DLBCL

A phase 1/2 trial of golcadomide (GOLCA), an oral CELMoD agent, in combination with rituximab showed encouraging efficacy in relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). At the 0.4 mg dose, the objective response rate (ORR) reached 58% with a complete response rate (CRR) of 44%, including in patients previously treated with CAR T-cell therapy or bispecific antibodies. Hematologic toxicities such as grade 3/4 neutropenia (64%) were notable, but the oral administration route and strong efficacy signal suggest this combination may expand outpatient options for a difficult-to-treat population.⁷

Golcadomide in High-Risk Follicular Lymphoma

In high-risk follicular lymphoma (FL), early data for golcadomide monotherapy have shown the potential for deep and durable responses. Among heavily pretreated patients, golcadomide induced responses in those with high tumor burden and aggressive disease features, with some achieving complete remission. This is significant for FL, where relapsed and high-risk patients often face limited options, and highlights the potential of CELMoD therapies to shift long-term management strategies.⁸

Implementation of Glofitamab-GemOx in Practice

Insights from the STAR-GLO trial evaluating glofitamab in combination with gemcitabine and oxaliplatin (GemOx) provide a look into real-world implementation of bispecific therapies for relapsed/refractory DLBCL. The regimen demonstrated high response rates and manageable toxicity, with step-up dosing and pre-treatment strategies helping to mitigate cytokine release syndrome. Importantly, the study offers guidance on sequencing glofitamab with other cellular therapies and outlines how community and academic centers can operationalize bispecific integration into routine lymphoma care.⁹

BMS-986458 in Follicular and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

BMS-986458, a first-in-class heterobifunctional degrader of the oncogenic transcription factor BCL6, has shown promising activity in early trials for FL and DLBCL. Among 13 heavily pretreated patients, 10 achieved objective responses, including three complete responses, with minimal high-grade hematologic toxicities. Because BCL6 is a key driver of lymphomagenesis, this targeted protein degradation approach introduces an entirely new therapeutic mechanism that could complement or even replace traditional cytotoxic and immunotherapy regimens in the future.¹⁰

The Role of Pharmacists

As these novel therapies continue to emerge, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to help translate clinical trial data into meaningful improvements in patient care. From managing complex treatment regimens and mitigating toxicities to counseling patients on adherence and navigating access challenges, pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring that advances in lymphoma therapy reach their full potential. On World Lymphoma Awareness Day, it is important to recognize not only the rapid pace of scientific discovery but also the critical contributions of pharmacists in bringing these breakthroughs from research into real-world practice.

REFERENCES

1. Key statistics for Hodgkin lymphoma. American Cancer Society. January 16, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/hodgkin-lymphoma/about/key-statistics.html

2. Key statistics for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. American Cancer Society. January 16, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/non-hodgkin-lymphoma/about/key-statistics.html

3. Recognize World Lymphoma Awareness Day. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/holidays/world-lymphoma-awareness-day.html

4. Types of lymphoma. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/lymphoma/types

5. Gerlach A. Blood Cancer Awareness Month: Advocacy, education, and empowering communities. Pharmacy Times. September 5, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/blood-cancer-awareness-month-advocacy-education-and-empowering-communities

6. Lymphoma subtypes. Lymphoma Coalition. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://lymphomacoalition.org/lymphoma-subtypes/

7. Chavez J, Hippensteele A. EHA 2025: GOLCA plus rituximab shows promise in R/R DLBCL. Pharmacy Times. July 28, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/eha-2025-golca-plus-rituximab-shows-promise-in-r-r-dlbcl?utm

8. Chavez J, Hippensteele A. EHA 2025: Golcadomide shows deep responses in high-risk follicular lymphoma. Pharmacy Times. July 29, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/eha-2025-golcadomide-shows-deep-responses-in-high-risk-follicular-lymphoma

9. Lei M, Hippensteele A. Implementing Glofitamab-GemOx in practice: STARGLO insights. Pharmacy Times. August 12, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/implementing-glofitamab-gemox-in-practice-starglo-insights

10. Morschhauser F, Hippensteele A. EHA 2025: BMS-986458 shows clinical promise in FL and DLBCL. Pharmacy Times. July 21, 2025. Accessed September 15, 2025. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/eha-2025-bms-986458-shows-clinical-promise-in-fl-and-dlbcl