Applications of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of hematological malignancies.
BACKGROUND
The introduction of mAbs has changed the clinical approach to patients with lymphoma and leukemia.


OBJECTIVE
To summarize the most significant applications of mAb-based regimens in the treatment of hematological malignancies and explore their possible role in the future management of these patients.


RESULTS
Rituximab (anti-CD20) was the first mAb developed for the treatment of B-cell lymphomas. Several randomized studies have demonstrated its efficacy in lymphomas and low toxicity profile; rituximab also has significant activity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Alemtuzumab (anti-CD52) has shown efficacy in previously untreated or refractory CLL patients, while gemtuzumab ozogamicin (anti-CD33) appears to have significant activity in acute myeloid leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes.


CONCLUSIONS
In the next few years, investigations will be concentrated on the improvement of the older mAbs, and the development of new mAbs, targeting molecules important for malignant cell cycle and survival in an attempt to further improve patient survival.
Migkou
Magda
M
University of Athens School of Medicine, Alexandra University Hospital, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, 5 Marathonomahon street, Drossia 145-72, Athens, Greece.
Dimopoulos
Meletios-Athanassios
MA
Gavriatopoulou
Maria
M
Terpos
Evangelos
E
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D015451:Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents