![Sample our Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing & Allied Health journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5944/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Medicine-Dentistry-Nursing-Allied-Health.jpg"})
Abstract
Limitations of therapeutic options for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have necessitated the development of novel treatments/strategies. Rituximab (chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody [mAb]) considerably improved therapeutic outcomes for patients with B-cell malignancies, particularly when combined with chemotherapy; outcomes, however, are limited by rituximab resistance or reduced response upon re-treatment. Novel anti-CD20 mAbs are in development that may enhance mAb therapy. Ofatumumab (human anti-CD20 mAb) induces highly potent cell lysis, including in cells with low CD20 expression, and is the most clinically advanced new anti-CD20 mAb. Positive phase III interim data for ofatumumab in fludarabine-refractory CLL that is also refractory to alemtuzumab or less suitable for alemtuzumab due to bulky (>5 cm) lymphadenopathy has led to FDA approval of this agent in this population. Preclinical and early clinical assessment of other novel anti-CD20 mAbs include: ocrelizumab, veltuzumab, GA101, AME-133v, and PRO131921; data suggest potential for improved efficacy over rituximab that will require substantiation in large-scale clinical trials. New treatment strategies and novel anti-CD20 mAbs have the potential to enhance long-term outcomes for CLL and NHL.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Andrew Owen, MSc, Medicus International, for his editorial assistance. Editorial support for this publication was provided by GlaxoSmithKline. The authors were fully responsible for content and all editorial decisions for this manuscript.
Declaration of interest: One of the authors (M.S.C.) is currently conducting research sponsored by Genentech and BiogenIdec (makers of rituximab); and GSK and Genmab (makers of ofatumumab); this author has also served on advisory boards for Genentech, BiogenIdec, GSK, and Lilly (maker of AME-133v). The other author (S.A.G.) has received research support from and is a consultant for Genentech. This author has received research support from and is a member of the speaker's bureau for GSK.