Monoclonal antibodies anti-CD20 in the therapy of aggressive lymphomas

Abstract

Introduction of monoclonal antibodies to the therapy of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) was a milestone that changed the approach to the treatment of this group of malignancies. High expression of CD19, CD20, CD22 on B-cell surface makes them targetable with this class of antineoplastic agents. Monoclonal antibodies allow selective targeting of lymphoma cells expressing the cognate antigen, with only limited toxicity to healthy tissues and organs. Monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 has accumulated the most extensive volume of clinical evidence. This article provides a critical review summarizing its applications in aggressive NHL.
Hematologia 2010; 1, 4: 342-351