New data from ESMO 2026 explore next-generation bispecific antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates and targeted therapies across multiple myeloma, lymphoma and myeloid malignancies, providing early clinical findings in several areas of unmet need
The European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress 2026 showcased new findings across multiple myeloma, lymphoma and myeloid malignancies, with investigational bispecific antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates and targeted therapies being explored in newly diagnosed disease and relapsed/refractory settings. This round-up examines five selected abstracts, highlighting key efficacy and safety findings and the questions they raise for future treatment strategies.
Lymphoma
Rocbrutinib plus R-CHOP in previously untreated B-cell lymphoma
Abstract: 1457O | NCT06251180 | Phase Ib
This phase Ib study evaluated rocbrutinib, a fourth-generation Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, combined with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone (R-CHOP) in previously untreated B-cell lymphoma. Among 22 patients enrolled, 20 had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), all of whom had the non-germinal center B-cell-like (non-GCB) subtype. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Among the 15 patients with DLBCL who had completed at least four treatment cycles, the overall response rate (ORR) was 100.0% and the complete response (CR) rate was 86.7%. All eight patients assessed for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) minimal residual disease (MRD) at CR were negative. No treatment discontinuations or deaths due to adverse events were reported.
Key clinical takeaway: Rocbrutinib plus R-CHOP demonstrated a manageable safety profile and high response rates in non-GCB DLBCL, although longer follow-up is needed to assess response durability and survival.
TRS005 in transformed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Abstract: 1458O | NCT05395533 | ChiCTR1900025308 | Phase I
This phase I study evaluated TRS005, a novel anti-CD20 antibody–drug conjugate (ADC) delivering monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), in patients with transformed DLBCL (t-DLBCL). Of 146 patients treated, 31 had t-DLBCL, including 28 evaluable for efficacy. The ORR was 50.0% (95% CI, 30.7–69.4) and the disease control rate (DCR) was 71.4% (95% CI, 51.3–86.8). Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 8.67 months (95% CI, 1.81–13.50) and median overall survival (OS) was 19.29 months (95% CI, 11.33–NE). The most common grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events were decreased neutrophil count (58.1%) and decreased white blood cell count (41.9%).
Key clinical takeaway: TRS005 demonstrated antitumor activity in t-DLBCL, supporting further investigation of this CD20-targeting ADC in a population with limited treatment options.
Multiple myeloma
LBL-034: A GPRC5D/CD3 bispecific antibody in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Abstract: 1456O | NCT06049290 | Phase I
This first-in-human phase I study evaluated LBL-034, a GPRC5D/CD3 bispecific antibody, in heavily pretreated patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Among 55 evaluable patients, median PFS was 15.8 months after a median follow-up of 16.0 months. At doses of 400–1200 μg/kg (n=40), the ORR was 82.5% (33/40), with 57.5% achieving ≥CR. Among patients achieving ≥CR (n=23), the estimated 18-month PFS rate was 87.7% and the MRD negativity (10⁻⁵) rate was 72.7%. In patients with extramedullary disease, the ORR was 75.0%. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 83.9%, with grade ≥3 cytokine release syndrome reported in one patient.
Key clinical takeaway: LBL-034 demonstrated antitumor activity, including in patients with extramedullary disease, supporting further investigation of GPRC5D/CD3-directed T-cell engagement in RRMM.
Bela-DRd: Belantamab mafodotin plus daratumumab, lenalidomide and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Abstract: 1454O | NCT05280275 | Phase I/II
The Bela-DRd study investigated belantamab mafodotin (belamaf) combined with daratumumab, lenalidomide and dexamethasone in transplant-ineligible patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. In Part 1 (n=24), the ORR was 91.7% and 70% achieved ≥CR after a median follow-up of 34.3 months. MRD negativity was achieved in 13/16 patients (81.3%). In Part 2 (n=12), the ORR was also 91.7%, with an MRD negativity rate of 71.4% (5/7). At 18 months, PFS was 91.7% in the overall population and 87.5% in the RP2D population. Ocular adverse events resulted in 11.5% of planned belamaf doses being skipped in Part 2, compared with 27.6% in Part 1. Three fatal treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in cohort 1, with none observed in Part 2.
Key clinical takeaway: Bela-DRd demonstrated high response and MRD negativity rates, with the findings also highlighting the importance of ocular toxicity monitoring and dose-management strategies.
Myeloid malignancies
LYT-200 in relapsed/refractory high-risk MDS and AML
Abstract: 1459O | NCT05829226 | Phase Ib
This phase Ib study evaluated LYT-200, an anti-galectin-9 monoclonal antibody, alone and in combination with hypomethylating agents (HMA) ± venetoclax in relapsed/refractory (R/R) high-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Among 11 efficacy-evaluable patients with R/R high-risk MDS receiving LYT-200 plus HMA at the recommended phase II dose (RP2D), the ORR was 45.5%, including a CR rate of 27.3%. In R/R AML (n=26), LYT-200 plus venetoclax/HMA achieved a composite CR rate of 30.8% and an ORR of 42.3%. No dose-limiting toxicities or LYT-200-related serious adverse events, discontinuations or deaths were reported.
Key clinical takeaway: LYT-200 demonstrated early clinical activity in R/R high-risk MDS and AML, supporting further investigation of galectin-9 inhibition, particularly following HMA failure.
This content has been developed independently by Touch Medical Media for touchONCOLOGY. It is not affiliated with the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Views expressed are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Touch Medical Media. This article was created by the editorial team utilizing AI as an editorial tool (Claude.AI and ChatGPT 5.5). The content was developed and edited by human editors. No funding was received in the publication of this article.
Cite: ESMO 2026 hematological malignancies round-up: Five emerging treatment strategies. touchONCOLOGY. 5th November 2026.
Editor: Sophie Nickelson
