Mechanisms of first-line treatment resistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma - Report - MDSpire

Mechanisms of first-line treatment resistance in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

  • By

  • Zhumei Zhan

  • Peipei Li

  • Yanlu Liu

  • Changqing Zhen

  • Ying Zhang

  • Ou Bai

  • May 8, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Understanding Resistance Mechanisms to Initial Therapy in DLBCL

Overview

Revise to specify the percentage of patients achieving long-term remission with standard therapies.

Background

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most prevalent subtype of malignant lymphoma in adults, accounting for a significant portion of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases. Despite the efficacy of first-line therapies like R-CHOP and pola-R-CHP, a substantial number of patients experience treatment resistance, leading to poor clinical outcomes. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of resistance is crucial for developing more effective therapeutic strategies.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • 30-40% of DLBCL patients develop refractory disease or relapse after initial treatment.
  • Polatuzumab vedotin resistance is primarily linked to downregulation of CD79b expression.
  • High expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters contributes to multidrug resistance in DLBCL.
  • Dehydrogenase 1 Family Member L1 (ALDH1L1) is upregulated in polatuzumab vedotin-resistant cells, affecting B cell receptor signaling.
  • Genetic and epigenetic factors, such as KLHL6 expression, influence susceptibility to polatuzumab vedotin.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for treatment resistance in DLBCL and consider genetic profiling to identify high-risk patients. Understanding the mechanisms of resistance can guide the selection of alternative therapies and improve patient management strategies.

Conclusion

Addressing treatment resistance in DLBCL is essential for improving patient outcomes. Continued research into the molecular mechanisms of resistance will facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic approaches.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Blood Cancer Journal, Integrated genomics with refined cell-of-origin subtyping distinguishes subtype-specific mechanisms of treatment resistance and relapse in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, 2025
  2. The ASCO Post, Selected Abstracts From the 2016 ASH Annual Meeting, 2017
  3. Blood Cancer Journal, Advancements in Treatment Approaches for Early-Stage Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma, 2021
  4. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: B-Cell Lymphomas 3.2025, 2025
  5. SEOM–GOTEL clinical guidelines on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (update 2025), 2025
  6. Blood Cancer Journal — Role of microRNAs and microRNA machinery in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
  7. NCCN Guidelines® Insights: B-Cell Lymphomas 3.2025 - PubMed
  8. SEOM–GOTEL clinical guidelines on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (update 2025) - PMC
  9. Lisocabtagene Maraleucel Versus Standard of Care for Second-Line Relapsed/Refractory Large B-Cell Lymphoma: 3-Year Follow-Up From the Randomized, Phase III TRANSFORM Study - PMC

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