Treatments update
Several new lymphoma treatments have recently been approved for use in the UK
The clinical and cost effectiveness of treatments need to be assessed by independent organisations before they can be used in the UK. This is called a Health Technology Assessment (HTA).
Lymphoma Action plays a vital role in HTAs that are relevant to lymphoma by providing the patient voice. We explain how the type of lymphoma impacts people and their family and friends, what it is like to receive the current treatment options and what impact the new treatment option could have. With an ever-growing number of treatments in the pipeline and with an increasing emphasis on the patient voice as part of the process, our team are busy ensuring that effective treatments are available for the people that need them.
Information in this article was correct at the time of going to print. Stay up to date on all future lymphoma HTA decisions and drug approvals on the news section of our website.
Lisocabtagene maraleucel for large B-cell lymphoma
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended the use of lisocabtagene maraleucel as an option to treat relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) or primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) after two or more lines of systemic treatment in adults.
Lisocabtagene maraleucel (known as liso-cel) is a CAR-T cell therapy, a type of treatment that uses cells from your own immune system to fight lymphoma.
Usual treatment for relapsed or refractory DLBCL or PMBL after two or more treatments is axicabtagene ciloleucel (axi-cel), another CAR-T cell therapy.
NICE found that results from an indirect comparison suggest liso-cel is associated with comparable outcomes and offers value for money. This recommendation gives doctors a choice of CAR-T cell therapies, allowing treatment to be tailored to the individual.
Brexucabtagene autoleucel for mantle cell lymphoma
In December 2025, NICE did not recommend brexucabtagene autoleucel (brexu-cel) for treating relapsed or refractory mantle cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic treatment.
Lymphoma Action worked with Anthony Nolan and Blood Cancer UK to submit a formal appeal against the decision as joint stakeholders in the NICE appraisal process. Gilead Sciences Limited, the pharmaceutical company who manufactures brexu-cel, also submitted an appeal against the decision.
NICE agreed to reconsider their decision, and the case was taken to a committee in September for review. As Lymphoma Matters goes to print we are waiting for the outcome of that meeting. We will provide an update once we have news.
Glofit-GemOx for relapsed or refractory DLBCL in Scotland
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved the treatment glofitamab plus gemcitabine and oxaliplatin as an option for treating people with DLBCL in Scotland. It will be available for adults with DLBCL which has not responded to treatment (refractory) or has returned (relapsed) and who are not suitable for a stem cell transplant.
This treatment option has previously been recommended by NICE for use in England.
The treatment, also known as Glofit-GemOx, combines the targeted treatment glofitamab with the chemotherapy treatments gemcitabine and oxaliplatin.
Glofitamab is a type of targeted treatment called a bispecific antibody. It works by attaching to two targets, one on the surface of lymphoma cells and one on the surface of T cells (part of the immune system). This means that cells of the immune system come into direct contact with the lymphoma cells, and this leads to activation of the T cells which in turn kill the lymphoma cells.
Acalabrutinib with bendamustine and rituximab for untreated mantle cell lymphoma
NICE has published final draft guidance recommending the use of acalabrutinib with bendamustine and rituximab for untreated mantle cell lymphoma in adults who are not eligible for an autologous stem cell transplant.
This overturns a previous decision not to recommend the treatment, after a further review of the evidence. Lymphoma Action nominated a patient representative to attend the NICE committee meeting held to discuss the decision, making sure that the patient voice was heard.
Acalabrutinib is a type of targeted drug called a BTK inhibitor. BTK inhibitors block a protein called Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK).
Clinical evidence showed that adding acalabrutinib to bendamustine and rituximab helped keep the condition under control for longer, increasing the average time before it worsened. This recommendation increases treatment options for eligible patients with mantle cell lymphoma, helping them find a treatment that fits their individual needs and way of life.
Acalabrutinib in combination with venetoclax for untreated CLL
NICE has published final draft guidance recommending the use of acalabrutinib in combination with venetoclax for untreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).
Clinical trial evidence showed that the treatment helped keep the condition under control for longer and improved survival compared with standard chemoimmunotherapy.
Unlike some treatments for CLL, acalabrutinib plus venetoclax is taken as a daily tablet. This means it can offer a more convenient treatment option for some patients and may help reduce hospital visits.
Ibrutinib with R-CHOP for untreated mantle cell lymphoma
NICE has published final draft guidance recommending ibrutinib with R-CHOP as a treatment for mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) when an autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) is suitable. Ibrutinib is a type of targeted drug called a BTK inhibitor.
Usual first line treatment for MCL might include chemotherapy followed by an ASCT, if suitable for the individual. However, for some people this can be an intensive treatment option which they find difficult to tolerate. Ibrutinib with R-CHOP now provides an alternative first-line treatment option to stem cell transplant. This provides the opportunity for people to make an informed choice about their treatment based on their needs and way of life.
Epcoritimab for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma in Scotland
The SMC has approved epcoritamab as a treatment option for adults with follicular lymphoma which has not responded or has returned after two or more lines of systemic treatment in Scotland. This treatment option has previously been recommended by NICE for use in England.
Epcoritamab is a type of targeted treatment called a bispecific antibody. It works by attaching to two targets, one on the surface of lymphoma cells and one on the surface of T cells (part of the immune system). This brings the cells of the immune system into direct contact with the lymphoma, activating the T cells which in turn kill the lymphoma cells.
Recent conferences
We have attended a number of meetings and conferences discussing the latest lymphoma research. Here are some of our highlights for 2026.
- Post-ASH conference. This meeting presented the highlights of the American Society of Haematology’s Annual Meeting, providing an overview of clinical data relevant to the UK.
- European Haematology Association (EHA) 2026 Congress. Lymphoma Action Trustee and Haematology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Chrissie Kirby attended this meeting in Stockholm. It is one of the leading global events for advancing research, collaboration, and innovation in haematology.
- Haematology Highlights for the UK. This conference provided a comprehensive overview of highlights from the global summer congresses that will influence UK practice and gave an update on what is on the horizon.
These events brought together leading researchers, healthcare professionals and patient advocates to share the latest developments in blood cancer research and care. Attending these meetings and conferences helps us stay connected to the latest advances in lymphoma research and ensures that our information, support and advocacy work continue to reflect current thinking and emerging developments.
