New agents and approaches to the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Abstract

Importance of the field: B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a significant public health problem as the most common hematologic malignancy in many areas of the world. Current treatments are generally effective, but only a minority of this large group of patients can be cured.

Areas covered in this review: Progress in clinical development of novel, targeted agents and newer cytotoxic agents has led to improved, more durable responses in all major subtypes of NHL. This article covers novel therapeutic agents, which are investigational or registered recently for NHL and/or other cancers. Subtypes of B-cell NHL are addressed separately including relevant papers over the past 20 years.

What the reader will gain: This review provides a better understanding of studies that have formed the basis for current treatment approaches for B-cell NHL. Also, areas of unmet need are covered. Novel agents are described along with their mechanisms of action, as well as how they might advance the treatment of B-cell NHL.

Take home message: This review highlights advancements and the current state of knowledge by presenting clinical trial results as well as preclinical data and advances in prognostic and predictive factors that will pave the way to further progress in NHL.

Keywords::

• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
• follicular lymphoma
• mantle cell lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin lymphoma
• small lymphocytic lymphoma
• Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia