EHA2026 Lymphoma Highlights: frontMIND, POLAR-BEAR, HD-MTX for CNS Lymphoma, EPCORE FL-1

Key lymphoma research from the 2026 European Hematology Association (EHA) conference reveals significant shifts in clinical practice. The FrontMIND study demonstrates that adding tafasitamab and lenalidomide to R-CHOP improves progression-free survival in high-risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), despite increased treatment-related toxicity. For elderly patients, the POLAR-BEAR study evaluates mini-POLAR-R-CHOP versus mini-R-CHOP, underscoring the debate over polatuzumab’s utility in non-GCB subtypes. Crucially, recent data confirms that high-dose methotrexate provides no benefit for CNS prophylaxis in high-risk DLBCL, effectively ending its routine use. Additionally, the EPCOR FL1 study validates the efficacy of epcoritamab in relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma, highlighting the clinical appeal of time-limited, subcutaneous bispecific antibody therapy. These findings collectively refine treatment standards and emphasize the transition toward more targeted, less toxic therapeutic strategies for diverse patient populations.