Novel agents for follicular lymphoma

Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2010:2010:259-64. doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2010.1.259.

Abstract

Unlabeled and radiolabeled anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies have had a significant impact in the care of patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) over the past decade. More recently, bendamustine has demonstrated activity in refractory FL, and has been explored as initial therapy and in novel combinations. Whereas outcomes for this patient population have significantly improved, there remains substantial unmet need for patients who require more effective and better-tolerated therapies. Novel anti-CD20 antibodies and other immunotherapies against different B-cell antigens are under active investigation. The proteosome inhibitor bortezomib and the immunomodulatory agent lenalidomide have demonstrated single-agent activity and are currently in randomized trials. Other novel compounds have demonstrated activity in broad-based clinical studies in B-cell malignancies. However, considerable challenges remain in efficiently demonstrating which patient subsets can benefit from these novel compounds and which combinations may have the greatest clinical benefit in further improving outcomes for patients with FL.

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Neoplasm / immunology
  • Antigens, CD20 / immunology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cell Membrane / drug effects
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunoconjugates / pharmacology
  • Immunoconjugates / therapeutic use
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoma, Follicular / immunology
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex / metabolism
  • Proteasome Inhibitors
  • Tumor Microenvironment / drug effects

Substances

  • Antibodies, Neoplasm
  • Antigens, CD20
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Immunoconjugates
  • Proteasome Inhibitors
  • Proteasome Endopeptidase Complex