The emerging role of ofatumumab in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

[Guest guest]

BlankThe emerging role of ofatumumab in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic

leukemia.

C Nabhan and NE Kay

Clin Med Insights Oncol, January 1, 2011; 5: 45-53.

Oncology Specialists, S. C., Department of Medicine, Division of

Hematology/Oncology at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL 60068,

USA.

The treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has evolved over the past

decade. Our better understanding of disease biology and risk stratification has

allowed delivering more effective therapies. In fact, front-line

chemoimmunotherapy has demonstrated improvement in overall survival when

compared to chemotherapy in randomized studies. Yet, treatment of relapsed CLL

remains challenging and few agents are effective in that setting. Ofatumumab

(Ofa) is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeted against CD20 with demonstrable

activity in rituximab-resistant CLL cell lines. This agent was recently approved

for the treatment of relapsed/refractory CLL patients who have failed

fludarabine and alemtuzumab. In this review, we provide a historical perspective

on approaches to CLL as front-line and in the relapsed setting. We further

summarize novel anti-CD20 antibodies with specific emphasis on ofa. We review

studies that led to ofatumumab's approval including pre-clinical data, trials

using ofa in combination therapies, and adverse events/toxicities reported with

this agent.

PMID: 21499555