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.