Reassessment of Anti-CD20 Therapy in Lymphoid Malignancies: Impact, Limitations, and New Directions (Rituximab, Ofatumumab and Obinutuzumab)

[AussieNeil]

'The addition of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies to the treatment of B-cell malignancies has dramatically affected the field as well as the lives of patients. Rituximab in particular has been combined safely with conventional chemotherapy and has resulted in improved overall survival in major histologic subtypes of B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It is incorporated into the standard initial treatment of nearly all of these diseases. Novel anti-CD20 antibodies are currently under development. Two of these agents, ofatumumab and obinutuzumab, have been approved for use in certain clinical settings. Research comparing these newer antibodies with rituximab is ongoing. As these newer antibodies are further studied and developed, improvements in response and progression-free survival need to be considered in the context of clinical benefit as well as toxicity, especially in indolent diseases.'

Cancer Network - Free registration: cancernetwork.com/oncology-...

and the associated commentary:

The Uncertainties of Rituximab and Related Therapies, 20 Years After Approval

'Rituximab was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 for the treatment of follicular lymphoma, and it eventually became broadly indicated for B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Ofatumumab and obinutuzumab are newer anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies that are also now FDA-approved in particular settings, specifically indolent disease. At least six additional anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies are under investigation in non-Hodgkin lymphomas. In this issue of ONCOLOGY, Drs. Reagan and Friedberg present a comprehensive review of the current indications, dosing strategies, and toxicities of rituximab, ofatumumab, and obinutuzumab in B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)'

cancernetwork.com/oncology-...

Neil

[tominyc]

I don't think ofatumumab is still in the clinical trial stage, as I had 6 infusions with this drug last year, All I know is, it worked fantastically to lower my IGM and helped Imbruvica as more of a maintenance. Unfortunately, the cost is prohibitive as most of our cancer meds are..

[Cllcanada Top Poster CURE Hero in reply to tominyc]

It never got really rolling when GSK had it, in 2009 it was FDAapproved for limited use.

But recently Novartis got it approved as a replacement for rituxan in FCR... also in Europe it is approved for maintenance therapy...

~chris

[tominyc in reply to Cllcanada]

Thanks for the info. I'm new at this, after 4 years of "watchful waiting" I needed treatment starting last Summer. ofatumumab seems to have done the trick, giving Imbruvica a boost.