Tumour cell surface antigen targeted therapies in B-cell lymphomas: Beyond rituximab

Abstract

Recent proliferation of novel targeted therapies in lymphoma has been substantial. B-cell receptor pathway inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors have been a major focus, however significant advances in monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) which directly target malignant cells have also occurred. These MoAbs continue to make significant impact in lymphoma management. Novel dosing schedules of anti-CD20 MoAb rituximab potentially optimise efficacy in specific lymphoma subgroups, as certain populations may be receiving suboptimal doses using current schedules. Next-generation anti-CD20 MoAbs may surpass rituximab in terms of efficacy. MoAbs targeting other B-cell surface antigens and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have yielded promising data. Bispecific antibodies that can recruit T-lymphocytes to lymphoma cells have also shown efficacy. To further improve outcomes for patients with lymphoma using MoAbs, scrupulous trial design incorporating translational research, and synergistic drug combinations will be required. This review discusses the mechanisms of action, current data and future directions involving MoAbs.

Keywords: Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs); Bispecific T cell engager (BiTE); Dual affinity re-targeting (DART); Lymphocyte surface antigens; Lymphoma; Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs).