Targeted therapy for hematologic malignancies.
BACKGROUND
The introduction of monoclonal antibodies, either as native molecules or conjugated to radioisotopes or other toxins, has led to new therapeutic options for patients with hematologic malignancies. In addition, the use of small molecules against specific cell surface receptors, enzymes, and proteins has become an important strategy in the treatment of such disorders.


METHODS
The author reviewed the published clinical trials of monoclonal antibody and other targeted therapies in hematologic malignancies.


RESULTS
Results from several trials demonstrate a therapeutic benefit for the use of monoclonal antibodies (either native or conjugated) and other targeted therapies, used alone or in combination with standard cytotoxic chemotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Targeted therapy of hematologic malignancies seems to be an effective and less toxic approach to the treatment of such disorders. Nevertheless, additional studies are needed to determine where and when such management fits into a therapeutic regimen for any given disorder, whether upfront or as salvage therapy, alone or in combination with chemotherapy (concurrent or sequential).
Kuriakose
Philip
P
Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. pkuriak1@hfhs.org
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000639:trends*; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D015464:Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D016499:Radioimmunotherapy
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors