Obinutuzumab as a new therapeutic opportunity for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

Obinutuzumab (also known as GA101) is a humanized, glycoengineered type II monoclonal antibody targeted against CD20. Studies in animal models suggest that obinutuzumab shows superior efficacy, as compared with rituximab, by inducing direct cell death and increased antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity activity with less complement – dependent cytotoxicity. In clinical trials, obinutuzumab in monotherapy and in combination with other agents showed an activity against chronic lymphocytic leukemia, even in rituximab – resistant patients. This article presents the review of current publications concerning the mechanism of action, efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab.