Role of antibody therapy in lymphoid malignancies.

Introduction: Over the past decade, the potential for delivering targeted therapy against malignant disease by the use of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) has begun to be realized. The development of human or chimeric antibodies and protein engineering to combine MoAbs with other biologically active molecules, such as radio-isotopes, toxins, chemotherapy and cytokines, has made available a new range of agents with clinical activity.

Discussion: This article will review the requirements and strategies for successful MoAb therapy and the clinical experience in a range of lymphoid malignancies. On the basis of substantial experience of antibodies, such as rituximab and alemtuzumab, as single agents, there is now evidence from randomized trials that the addition of antibodies to chemotherapy improves efficacy and prolongs progression free and overall survival for patients with follicular and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas.

Conclusion: The trials of the next decade will address issues such as the optimal strategies and timing for clinical use, the role of radio- and immuno-conjugates and, finally, what other potential molecules, such as those influencing cell growth and death, may be targeted.