Research work · 2012
Obinutuzumab for the treatment of lymphoproliferative disorders
Carolyn Owen, Douglas Allan Stewart
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Targeted therapy against CD20 with the mAb rituximab has led to significant improvements in survival for patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Despite these improvements, many patients relapse and/or become refractory after rituximab-containing therapies and thus better therapies are required for NHL. AREAS COVERED: Obinutuzumab is a novel, humanized, anti-CD20 mAb currently being investigated in Phase III studies in comparison to rituximab. An overview of obinutuzumab, its mechanisms of action and the results of pre-clinical and Phase I/II studies are presented. EXPERT OPINION: Pre-clinical studies suggest that obinutuzumab is a more potent anti-CD20 mAb than Rituximab at inducing antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and direct cell death (DCD). Obinutuzumab is safe and effective in CD20 + NHL and further study is warranted. Results of ongoing Phase III clinical trials comparing Obinutuzumab to Rituximab in different disease settings and with different chemotherapy regimens are eagerly awaited.