Signal Transduction Inhibitor Therapy for Lymphoma

[Guest guest]

Signal Transduction Inhibitor Therapy for Lymphoma

Lymphoma: Translating Basic Science into Therapy E. Witzig1 and Mamta

Gupta1

http://asheducationbook.hematologylibrary.org/cgi/content/full/2010/1/265

copying from summary:

" Signal transduction inhibitor therapy represents an emerging therapeutic

option for lymphomas of all types. The PI3K, BCR, and PKC signal pathways

all are important pathways for the growth of malignant lymphoma cells. The

agents discussed above have all moved from basic laboratory research on

signal transduction to in vitro studies on malignant cell lines and primary

samples, followed by phase I and II studies, and, in the case of mTOR

inhibitors and enzastaurin, phase III clinical trials

It is truly an exciting time for both investigators and patients. The

ability to offer hope to a relapsed NHL or Hodgkin's lymphoma patient makes

the current practice of hematology/oncology stimulating and rewarding.

Despite the many new available agents and the need for new therapies, there

remain substantial challenges.

What level of anti-tumor activity and duration of response with a signal

transduction inhibitor should be considered as " interesting " when the group

being tested has been heavily pretreated? Should a drug that has a very low

response rate but can induce prolonged stable disease move forward?

When combinations are designed should they be tested " up front " or at

relapse? Testing combinations in highly curable diseases such as de novo

DLBCL and Hodgkin's lymphoma is especially challenging, because the cure

rate is already high and there is little tolerance for additional toxicity.

We are confident that these challenges will be met and that these new

treatments will affect the therapy of patients with NHL and Hodgkin's

lymphoma. "

Patients Against Lymphoma

www.Lymphomation.org

Evidence-based information on lymphoma, independent of health industry

funding