New molecular targets for treatment of lymphoma

Pharmacotherapy of large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Constituting approximately 30% of lymphoid malignancies, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common aggressive lymphoma in adults worldwide. The clinical and biologic heterogeneity that exists in DLBCL suggests that this entity might actually be comprised of several distinct neoplasms that could require different therapeutic approaches. DLBCL was considered incurable until combination chemotherapy became available.

OBJECTIVE

Current treatment strategies for the treatment of untreated and relapsed advanced-stage DLBCL are reviewed; novel treatments for DLBCL are discussed.

METHODS

Relevant literature was identified using the PubMed search engine and by reviewing abstracts from major conference proceedings.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

Recently, novel therapeutic strategies, including the incorporation of immunotherapy to combination chemotherapy, have improved outcome for patients with DLBCL with cure rates exceeding 50%, especially in younger patients.

Novel treatment strategies for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The World Health Organization has included different types of lymphoma under the aggressive category. In the US, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common aggressive lymphoma and accounts for > 30% of the 55,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Recent advances in the knowledge of the molecular biology have provided an increased understanding of the heterogeneity of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. New treatments, especially those with the use of monoclonal antibodies, are improving both the survival and the response rate.