Novel biologic agents for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia-part 2: adoptive cellular immunotherapy, small-molecule inhibitors, and immunomodulation

Abstract

Globally, the incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is increasing. Aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma are treated with curative intent in the frontline setting, but indolent diseases like chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma are not considered to be curable in general. Additionally, relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphomas have a poor overall outcome, with treatment response durations often decreasing with each relapse. Novel therapies are sought to improve outcomes in this patient population. In a two-part review, we describe the promising new biologic therapies that have emerged over the last 5 years, some approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and others undergoing active investigation. In Part 1, we discussed monoclonal antibodies. Here, in Part 2, we discuss adoptive cellular immunotherapies, small-molecule inhibitors, and immunomodulatory agents. We also mention other novel therapies on the horizon.