The Central Role for Microenvironment in B-Cell Malignancies: Recent Insights into Synergistic Effects of its Therapeutic Targeting and Anti-CD20 Antibodies

Abstract

Most B-cell-related disorders can be cured with conventional agents; however, relapse is common, creating a need for additional therapeutic options. In agreement, recent biomarker studies corroborate the role played by functional crosstalk between malignant B cells and microenvironment which have added texture to clinical outcome. Here we outline the essential role of the tumor-associated niche in B-cell Lymphoma/Leukemia pathogenesis, in an attempt to optimize the use of microenvironment-targeted drugs and anti-CD20 antibodies in the various subsets.

Keywords:

• B-cell malignancies
• tumor microenvironment
• anti-CD20 antibodies
• combination therapies