Read About ADC Therapeutics Research in Lymphoma Treatment

ADC Therapeutics focuses its lymphoma research on antibody drug conjugates, which are medicines designed to combine the targeting ability of an antibody with a cancer killing payload. Its principal therapy, ZYNLONTA or loncastuximab tesirine, targets the CD19 protein found on many B cells. After binding to a CD19 expressing cell, the drug is internalized and releases its payload, which damages DNA and can lead to cancer cell death.

ADC Therapeutics Research and Clinical Trials

Clinical research is evaluating how ZYNLONTA may be used across different stages and types of B cell lymphoma. One important program is LOTIS 5, a Phase 3 study evaluating ZYNLONTA with rituximab in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma. In June 2026, ADC Therapeutics reported that the study met its primary progression free survival endpoint. The combination produced a median progression free survival of 6.1 months compared with 4.7 months for the comparator regimen.

Important areas of the research include:

• LOTIS 5: A Phase 3 confirmatory study comparing ZYNLONTA plus rituximab with rituximab and gemcitabine oxaliplatin in relapsed or refractory DLBCL.
• LOTIS 7: A Phase 1b program investigating ZYNLONTA in combination with therapies such as glofitamab in B cell non Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Follicular lymphoma research: Investigator initiated studies are evaluating ZYNLONTA with rituximab in relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma.
• Marginal zone lymphoma research: Another investigator initiated study is evaluating ZYNLONTA as a potential treatment approach for relapsed or refractory marginal zone lymphoma.

The LOTIS 7 program is also examining combinations involving immune engaging medicines. Updated earlier results from the ZYNLONTA and glofitamab combination showed an overall response rate of 89.8 percent and a complete response rate of 77.6 percent among 49 evaluable patients, although these results come from an earlier phase study and require additional follow up.

Understanding the Future of Lymphoma Research

ADC Therapeutics research illustrates how antibody drug conjugates may be investigated as part of combination treatment strategies. Rather than relying on a broadly distributed chemotherapy agent alone, an ADC is designed to recognize a specific target on cancer cells and deliver its payload after binding and internalization. This approach is being studied to determine whether targeted delivery can provide meaningful clinical benefits while maintaining an acceptable safety profile.

Current research directions include:

• Earlier treatment settings: Studies are assessing whether ZYNLONTA could have a role in patients receiving treatment after fewer previous therapies.
• Combination approaches: Researchers are studying combinations with rituximab and immune based therapies to explore whether different mechanisms can work together.
• Additional lymphoma types: Investigator initiated studies are expanding research into follicular lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma.
• Long term evaluation: Researchers continue to examine response duration, progression free survival, overall survival, safety, and other clinical outcomes.

The FDA currently lists ZYNLONTA under its accelerated approval framework for adults with relapsed or refractory large B cell lymphoma after two or more lines of systemic therapy. Continued regulatory status depends on confirmatory evidence of clinical benefit.

Overall, ADC Therapeutics research represents an ongoing area of investigation into antibody drug conjugates for lymphoma. Results from studies such as LOTIS 5 and LOTIS 7 may help clarify the potential role of ZYNLONTA in different treatment settings. Research in follicular and marginal zone lymphoma may also provide information about whether the approach can be investigated more broadly. These studies remain subject to clinical evaluation, regulatory review, and continued assessment of benefits and risks.