Monoclonal antibody combinations in CLL: evolving strategies - Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibody combinations in CLL: evolving strategies
Available online 22 September 2006.
Stefan Faderl MD, a, , Associate Professor, Susan O'Brien MDa, Professor and Michael J. Keating MBBSa, Professor
Best Practice & Research Clinical Haematology
Volume 19, Issue 4 , December 2006
ScienceDirect
Copyright ? 2006 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.
aDepartment of Leukemia, Unit 428, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030, USA
Monoclonal antibodies have led to a profound shift in the therapeutic landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Alemtuzumab and rituximab remain the most active antibodies, and their single-agent activity has been established in previously untreated and relapsed patients with CLL. Higher response rates and a better quality of response through eradication of minimal residual disease have been reported with monoclonal antibody combinations. Chemoimmunotherapy regimens are being actively explored in frontline CLL therapy, and numerous combination regimens have been investigated in relapse. New and more effective therapies are shifting the focus from palliation to treatment algorithms with curative attempt. Challenges for monoclonal antibody combinations in the future include: (1) defining appropriate patient populations for combination therapies; (2) assessing the impact of pretreatment biologic prognostic factors; (3) enhancing eradication of minimal residual disease; and (4) reassessing response criteria in CLL.
Key words: CLL; monoclonal antibodies; alemtuzumab; rituximab

Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 713 745 4613; Fax: +1 713 794 4297.
You can view the abstract online. A subscription is required to view the full text or it can be purchased online.