antibody therapy review: Future Directions

[Guest guest]

More from review article by Cheson and Leonard:

=Future Directions

Therapies for B-cell cancers that are based on the use of monoclonal

antibodies may avoid the toxic effects of chemotherapy, improve the outcomes

when combined with chemotherapy, and provide options for patients with

refractory disease.

Given the heterogeneity of lymphomas [different clinical course and response

to treatment within same diagnosis] and the array of treatment options

available, it is challenging to integrate new compounds with traditional

approaches.

New immunotherapy targets are constantly emerging, and other antibodies

against tumor vasculature (e.g., bevacizumab) and stroma also warrant

evaluation.

The CALGB is evaluating the use of antibody-based combination biologic

therapy as an initial treatment of follicular lymphoma in order to

potentially delay the initiation of chemotherapy, with its associated toxic

effects. Investigation is ongoing to determine whether early and extensive

use of antibody therapy is associated with long-term benefits or adverse

consequences.

Other strategies include the integration of radioimmunotherapy as part of

the initial therapy.

Newer antibodies may have the potential for enhanced efficacy or the

capability of overcoming resistance to current therapies.

Finally, the identification of patient subgroups that can optimally benefit

from these agents is a priority. (Amen)

Despite these challenges, emerging evidence suggests that antibody-based

treatments are improving the outcomes for patients with B-cell

cancers.113,114

....

Dr. Cheson reports serving on an advisory board for Seattle Genetics,

receiving consulting and lecture fees from Genentech, and participating in

speakers' bureaus for Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals and Biogen Idec. Dr.

Leonard reports receiving consulting fees from Immunomedics and lecture fees

from GlaxoKline. No other potential conflict of interest relevant to

this article was reported.