1
|
Mekala JR, Nalluri HP, Reddy PN, S B S, N S SK, G V S D SK, Dhiman R, Chamarthy S, Komaragiri RR, Manyam RR, Dirisala VR. Emerging trends and therapeutic applications of monoclonal antibodies. Gene 2024; 925:148607. [PMID: 38797505 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are being used to prevent, detect, and treat a broad spectrum of malignancies and infectious and autoimmune diseases. Over the past few years, the market for mAbs has grown exponentially. They have become a significant part of many pharmaceutical product lines, and more than 250 therapeutic mAbs are undergoing clinical trials. Ever since the advent of hybridoma technology, antibody-based therapeutics were realized using murine antibodies which further progressed into humanized and fully human antibodies, reducing the risk of immunogenicity. Some of the benefits of using mAbs over conventional drugs include a drastic reduction in the chances of adverse reactions, interactions between drugs, and targeting specific proteins. While antibodies are very efficient, their higher production costs impede the process of commercialization. However, their cost factor has been improved by developing biosimilar antibodies, which are affordable versions of therapeutic antibodies. Along with biosimilars, innovations in antibody engineering have helped to design bio-better antibodies with improved efficacy than the conventional ones. These novel mAb-based therapeutics are set to revolutionize existing drug therapies targeting a wide spectrum of diseases, thereby meeting several unmet medical needs. In the future, mAbs generated by applying next-generation sequencing (NGS) are expected to become a powerful tool in clinical therapeutics. This article describes the methods of mAb production, pre-clinical and clinical development of mAbs, approved indications targeted by mAbs, and novel developments in the field of mAb research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janaki Ramaiah Mekala
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Vaddeswaram 522502, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA.
| | - Hari P Nalluri
- Department of Biotechnology, Vignan's (Deemed to be) University, Guntur 522213, AP, India
| | - Prakash Narayana Reddy
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. V.S. Krishna Government College, Visakhapatnam 530013, India
| | - Sainath S B
- Department of Biotechnology, Vikrama Simhapuri University, Nellore 524320, AP, India
| | - Sampath Kumar N S
- Department of Biotechnology, Vignan's (Deemed to be) University, Guntur 522213, AP, India
| | - Sai Kiran G V S D
- Santhiram Medical College and General Hospital, Nandyal, Kurnool 518501, AP, India
| | - Rohan Dhiman
- Laboratory of Mycobacterial Immunology, Department of Life Sciences, National Institute of Technology Rourkela-769008, India
| | - Sahiti Chamarthy
- Department of Biotechnology, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Vaddeswaram 522502, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA
| | - Raghava Rao Komaragiri
- Department of CSE, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF), Vaddeswaram 522302, Andhra Pradesh, INDIA
| | - Rajasekhar Reddy Manyam
- Amrita School of Computing, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amaravati Campus, Amaravati, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Vijaya R Dirisala
- Department of Biotechnology, Vignan's (Deemed to be) University, Guntur 522213, AP, India.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Vafaeian A, Mahmoudi H, Daneshpazhooh M. What is novel in the clinical management of pemphigus vulgaris? Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:489-503. [PMID: 38712540 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2024.2350943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pemphigus, an uncommon autoimmune blistering disorder affecting the skin and mucous membranes, currently with mortality primarily attributed to adverse reactions resulting from treatment protocols. Additionally, the existing treatments exhibit a notable recurrence rate. The high incidence of relapse and the considerable adverse effects associated with treatment underscore the imperative to explore safer and more effective therapeutic approaches. Numerous potential therapeutic targets have demonstrated promising outcomes in trials or preliminary research stages. These encompass anti-CD-20 agents, anti-CD-25 agents, TNF-α inhibition, FAS Ligand Inhibition, FcRn inhibition, BAFF inhibition, Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibition, CAAR T Cells, JAK inhibition, mTOR inhibition, abatacept, IL-4 inhibition, IL-17 inhibition, IL-6 inhibition, polyclonal Regulatory T Cells, and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. AREAS COVERED The most significant studies regarding the impact and efficacy of the mentioned treatments on pemphigus were meticulously curated through a comprehensive search conducted on the PubMed database. Moreover, the investigations of interest cited in these studies were also integrated. EXPERT OPINION The efficacy and safety profiles of the other treatments under discussion do not exhibit the same level of robustness as anti-CD20 therapy, which is anticipated to endure as a critical element in pemphigus treatment well into the foreseeable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Vafaeian
- Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Mahmoudi
- Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Daneshpazhooh
- Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a severe chronic autoimmune blistering disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is characterized by suprabasal acantholysis due to disruption of desmosomal connections between keratinocytes. Autoantibodies against desmosomal cadherins, desmoglein 3 and 1, have been shown to induce disease. Certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) types and non-HLA foci confer genetic susceptibility. Until the discovery of corticosteroids in the 1950s, PV was 75% fatal. Since then, multiple PV treatments, such as systemic corticosteroids and adjunctive therapy with immunosuppressive medications (mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, methotrexate, gold, and others) have been introduced; however, none have led to long-term remissions and many have undesired adverse effects. Our growing understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms in PV is leading to development of new targeted therapies, such as intravenous immunoglobulin, anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, inhibitors of Bruton tyrosine kinase and neonatal Fc receptors, and adoptive cellular transfer, that may result in lasting control of this life-threatening disease.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase/antagonists & inhibitors
- Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase/metabolism
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/therapeutic use
- Antigens, CD20/immunology
- Antigens, CD20/metabolism
- Autoantibodies/immunology
- Autoantibodies/metabolism
- Combined Modality Therapy/methods
- Drug Therapy, Combination/methods
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- HLA Antigens/genetics
- HLA Antigens/immunology
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/pharmacology
- Immunoglobulins, Intravenous/therapeutic use
- Immunosuppressive Agents/pharmacology
- Immunosuppressive Agents/therapeutic use
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/methods
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods
- Pemphigus/genetics
- Pemphigus/immunology
- Pemphigus/therapy
- Plasmapheresis
- Receptors, Fc/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Fc/metabolism
- Remission Induction/methods
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/immunology
- Treatment Outcome
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Altman
- Department of Dermatology, University of New Mexico, 1021 Medical Arts Avenue NE, Albuquerque, NM, 87102, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Meyer S, Evers M, Jansen JHM, Buijs J, Broek B, Reitsma SE, Moerer P, Amini M, Kretschmer A, Ten Broeke T, den Hartog MT, Rijke M, Klein C, Valerius T, Boross P, Leusen JHW. New insights in Type I and II CD20 antibody mechanisms-of-action with a panel of novel CD20 antibodies. Br J Haematol 2018; 180:808-820. [PMID: 29468712 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Based on their mechanisms-of-action, CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are grouped into Type I [complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC)] and Type II [programmed cell death (PCD) and ADCC] mAbs. We generated 17 new hybridomas producing CD20 mAbs of different isotypes and determined unique heavy and light chain sequence pairs for 13 of them. We studied their epitope binding, binding kinetics and structural properties and investigated their predictive value for effector functions, i.e. PCD, CDC and ADCC. Peptide mapping and CD20 mutant screens revealed that 10 out of these 11 new mAbs have an overlapping epitope with the prototypic Type I mAb rituximab, albeit that distinct amino acids of the CD20 molecule contributed differently. Binding kinetics did not correlate with the striking differences in CDC activity among the mIgG2c mAbs. Interestingly, chimerization of mAb m1 resulted in a mAb displaying both Type I and II characteristics. PCD induction was lost upon introduction of a mutation in the framework of the heavy chain affecting the elbow angle, supporting that structural changes within this region can affect functional activities of CD20 mAbs. Together, these new CD20 mAbs provide further insights in the properties dictating the functional efficacy of CD20 mAbs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Meyer
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mitchell Evers
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes H M Jansen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Buijs
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Blanca Broek
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stephanie E Reitsma
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Moerer
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mojtaba Amini
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anna Kretschmer
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Toine Ten Broeke
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Christian Klein
- Roche Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Valerius
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian-Albrechts-University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Peter Boross
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanette H W Leusen
- Laboratory of Translational Immunology, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Corraliza-Gorjón I, Somovilla-Crespo B, Santamaria S, Garcia-Sanz JA, Kremer L. New Strategies Using Antibody Combinations to Increase Cancer Treatment Effectiveness. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1804. [PMID: 29312320 PMCID: PMC5742572 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies have proven their high value in antitumor therapy over the last two decades. They are currently being used as the first-choice to treat some of the most frequent metastatic cancers, like HER2+ breast cancers or colorectal cancers, currently treated with trastuzumab (Herceptin) and bevacizumab (Avastin), respectively. The impressive therapeutic success of antibodies inhibiting immune checkpoints has extended the use of therapeutic antibodies to previously unanticipated tumor types. These anti-immune checkpoint antibodies allowed the cure of patients devoid of other therapeutic options, through the recovery of the patient’s own immune response against the tumor. In this review, we describe how the antibody-based therapies will evolve, including the use of antibodies in combinations, their main characteristics, advantages, and how they could contribute to significantly increase the chances of success in cancer therapy. Indeed, novel combinations will consist of mixtures of antibodies against either different epitopes of the same molecule or different targets on the same tumor cell; bispecific or multispecific antibodies able of simultaneously binding tumor cells, immune cells or extracellular molecules; immunomodulatory antibodies; antibody-based molecules, including fusion proteins between a ligand or a receptor domain and the IgG Fab or Fc fragments; autologous or heterologous cells; and different formats of vaccines. Through complementary mechanisms of action, these combinations could contribute to elude the current limitations of a single antibody which recognizes only one particular epitope. These combinations may allow the simultaneous attack of the cancer cells by using the help of the own immune cells and exerting wider therapeutic effects, based on a more specific, fast, and robust response, trying to mimic the action of the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Corraliza-Gorjón
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Somovilla-Crespo
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia Santamaria
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose A Garcia-Sanz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Centro de Investigaciones Biologicas (CIB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonor Kremer
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, Centro Nacional de Biotecnologia (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liebman HA, Saleh MN, Bussel JB, Negrea OG, Horne H, Wegener WA, Goldenberg DM. Comparison of two dosing schedules for subcutaneous injections of low-dose anti-CD20 veltuzumab in relapsed immune thrombocytopenia. Haematologica 2016; 101:1327-1332. [PMID: 27515248 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2016.146738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
We compared two dosing schedules for subcutaneous injections of a low-dose humanized anti-CD20 antibody, veltuzumab, in immune thrombocytopenia. Fifty adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia, in whom one or more lines of standard therapy had failed and who had a platelet count <30×109/L but no major bleeding, initially received escalating 80, 160, or 320 mg doses of subcutaneous veltuzumab administered twice, 2 weeks apart; the last group received once-weekly doses of 320 mg for 4 weeks. In all dose groups, injection reactions were transient and mild to moderate; there were no other safety issues. Forty-seven response-evaluable patients had 23 (49%) objective responses (platelet counts ≥30×109/L and ≥2 × baseline) including 15 (32%) complete responses (platelets ≥100×109/L). Responses (including complete responses) and bleeding reduction occurred in all dose groups and were not dose-dependent. In contrast, response duration increased progressively with total dose, reaching a median of 2.7 years with the four once-weekly 320-mg doses. Among nine responders retreated at relapse, three at higher dose levels responded again, including one patient who was retreated four times. In all dose groups, B-cell depletion occurred after the first dose until recovery starting 12 to 16 weeks after treatment. Veltuzumab serum levels increased with dose group according to total dose administered, but terminal half-life and clearance were comparable. Human anti-veltuzumab antibody titers developed without apparent dose dependence in nine patients, of whom six responded including five who had complete responses. Subcutaneous veltuzumab was convenient, well-tolerated, and active, without causing significant safety concerns. Platelet responses and bleeding reduction occurred in all dose groups, and response durability appeared to improve with higher doses. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00547066.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Howard A Liebman
- Internal Medicine, Jane Anne Nohl Division of Hematology, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - James B Bussel
- Platelet Disorders Center, Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, New York Presbyterian Hospital, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Robak T, Blonski JZ, Robak P. Antibody therapy alone and in combination with targeted drugs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Semin Oncol 2016; 43:280-90. [DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
|
8
|
Abstract
The treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) has dramatically improved over the last two decades by the development of a series of targeted biological therapies. This paper focuses on new developments in the treatment of IMIDs. In particular, we discuss how different ways of targeting the same mediators can lead to different efficacy and safety profiles, using B cell targeting as example. In addition, we discuss the emerging field of 'small molecules' that target specifically intracellular processes related to cytokine signaling, cell activation, cell migration, and other processes relevant to tissue inflammation.
Collapse
|
9
|
Singh V, Gupta D, Almasan A. Development of Novel Anti-Cd20 Monoclonal Antibodies and Modulation in Cd20 Levels on Cell Surface: Looking to Improve Immunotherapy Response. JOURNAL OF CANCER SCIENCE & THERAPY 2015; 7:347-358. [PMID: 27413424 PMCID: PMC4939752 DOI: 10.4172/1948-5956.1000373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Rituximab has been revolutionized and validated CD20 targeting monoclonal antibody. Although, it is widely used for lymphoma therapy and many patients have been benefited. However significant numbers of patients are refractory or developed resistance to current therapies due to low level of CD20 expression and/or availability on cells surface. Thus development of novel anti-CD20 mAbs with great cell killing ability and enhance CD20 levels on cell surface can potentially exploit lymphoma therapy. In this scenario, we are summarizing the recently developed mAbs against CD20 and compounds that have ability to induce CD20 expression at significant level. We also are providing information regarding combination strategy for use of radiation and anti-CD20 mAbs in vitro. However, it will need to be determined by rigorous at pre-clinical and clinic testing. We hope this review will be beneficial for current research in the area of immunotherapy or radio-immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Singh
- Metabolic Cell Signaling Research, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Brig SK Mazumdar Marg, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Damodar Gupta
- Metabolic Cell Signaling Research, Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences, Brig SK Mazumdar Marg, Timarpur, Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Alexandru Almasan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kalaycio ME, George Negrea O, Allen SL, Rai KR, Abbasi RM, Horne H, Wegener WA, Goldenberg DM. Subcutaneous injections of low doses of humanized anti-CD20 veltuzumab: a phase I study in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2015; 57:803-11. [PMID: 26389849 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2015.1085531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate the potential of subcutaneous (SC) injections with anti-CD20 antibody veltuzumab in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 21 patients received 80, 160, or 320 mg injections every 2 weeks × 4 doses (n = 11) or 160 or 320 mg twice-weekly × 16 doses (n = 10). Treatment was well tolerated with only occasional, mild-moderate, transient injection reactions. Lymphocytosis decreased in all patients (maximum decrease, 5-91%), with 12 patients obtaining >50% decreases. Of 14 patients with lymphadenopathy on CT imaging, 5 (36%) achieved 14-61% reductions (sum of perpendicular diameters). By NCI-WG criteria, two patients achieved partial responses (10%). SC veltuzumab appeared active in all dose groups, with no obvious exposure-response relationship, despite cumulative doses ranging from 320-5120 mg. Overall median progression-free survival was 7.7 months; three patients remained progression-free >1 year (2 ongoing at 2-year study completion). These data suggest further studies of SC veltuzumab in CLL are warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matt E Kalaycio
- a Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute , Cleveland , OH , USA
| | | | - Steven L Allen
- c Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine , Lake Success , NY , USA
| | - Kanti R Rai
- c Hofstra North Shore - LIJ School of Medicine , Lake Success , NY , USA
| | - Rashid M Abbasi
- d Hematology Oncology Specialists , Denville , NJ , USA , and
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Doubek M, Šmída M. Treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia with monoclonal antibodies, where are we heading? Expert Rev Hematol 2015; 8:743-64. [PMID: 26306923 DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2015.1079123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent leukemia in the western world and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are important part of CLL treatment. The goal of this article was to summarize current literature on the position of mAbs in CLL treatment and to mention factors influencing effectiveness of mAbs in CLL. Several new mAbs have been developed and investigated in CLL over the past few years. Mainly anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies are still used routinely in CLL therapy. Unfortunately, the clinical application of mAbs needs to be further improved. Novel combinations and sequences of mAbs with other compounds need to be studied in clinical trials in order to increase overall response rate and prolong remission duration. Mechanisms of action of mAbs or mechanisms of resistance to mAbs have to be also investigated to predict effectiveness of mAb in particular patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Doubek
- a 1 Department of Internal Medicine - Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Brno, Czech Republic.,b 2 Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Šmída
- b 2 Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC), Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Robak P, Smolewski P, Robak T. Emerging immunological drugs for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2015; 20:423-47. [PMID: 26153226 DOI: 10.1517/14728214.2015.1046432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the last few years, several new immunological drugs, particularly monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), immunomodulatory drugs and B-cell receptor (BCR) pathway inhibitors have been developed and investigated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This article summarizes recent discoveries regarding their mechanism of action, pharmacological properties, clinical activity and toxicity, as well as the emerging role of these agents in CLL. AREAS COVERED A literature review of mAbs, BCR pathway inhibitors and immunomodulating drugs was conducted of the MEDLINE database via PubMed for articles in English. Publications from 2000 through February 2015 were scrutinized. The search terms used were alemtuzumab, BI 836826, duvelisib ibrutinib, idelalisib, lenalidomide, monoclonal antibodies, MEDI-551, MOR208, obinutuzumab, ocaratuzumab, ofatumumab, ONO-4059, otlertuzumab, spebrutinib, veltuzumab and XmAb5574 in conjunction with CLL. Conference proceedings from the previous 5 years of the American Society of Hematology, European Hematology Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and ACR/ARHP Annual Scientific Meetings were searched manually. Additional relevant publications were obtained by reviewing the references from the chosen articles. EXPERT OPINION The use of mAbs, BCR inhibitors and immunomodulating drugs is a promising new strategy for chemotherapy-free treatment of CLL. However, definitive data from ongoing and future clinical trials will aid in better defining the status of immunological drugs in the treatment of this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pawel Robak
- a Medical University of Lodz, Departments of Experimental Hematology and Hematology, Copernicus Memorial Hospital , 93-510 Lodz, Ul. Ciolkowskiego 2, Poland +48 42 689 51 91 ; +48 42 689 51 92 ;
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Smolewski P, Robak T. The preclinical discovery of rituximab for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2015; 10:791-808. [DOI: 10.1517/17460441.2015.1045295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
|
14
|
Abstract
The eradication of cancer remains a vexing problem despite recent advances in our understanding of the molecular basis of neoplasia. One therapeutic approach that has demonstrated potential involves the selective targeting of radionuclides to cancer-associated cell surface antigens using monoclonal antibodies. Such radioimmunotherapy (RIT) permits the delivery of a high dose of therapeutic radiation to cancer cells, while minimizing the exposure of normal cells. Although this approach has been investigated for several decades, the cumulative advances in cancer biology, antibody engineering and radiochemistry in the past decade have markedly enhanced the ability of RIT to produce durable remissions of multiple cancer types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven M Larson
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Jorge A Carrasquillo
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Nai-Kong V Cheung
- 1] Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, New York 10065, USA. [2]
| | - Oliver W Press
- 1] Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, P.O. BOX 19024, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA. [2]
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jordan SC, Choi J, Vo A. Achieving incompatible transplantation through desensitization: current perspectives and future directions. Immunotherapy 2015; 7:377-98. [DOI: 10.2217/imt.15.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of life-saving transplantation is severely limited by the shortage of organs, and histoincompatibility. To increase transplant rates in sensitized patients, new protocols for HLA and blood type incompatible (ABOi) desensitization have emerged. These approaches require significant desensitization using intravenous immunoglobulin, rituximab and plasma exchange. In addition, the development of donor-specific antibody responses post transplant is the major cause of allograft failure with return to dialysis. This increases patient morbidity/mortality and cost. Immunotherapeutic agents used for desensitization evolved from drug development in oncology and autoimmune diseases. Currently, there is a renaissance in development of novel drugs likely to improve antibody reduction in transplantation. These include agents that inactivate IgG molecules, anticytokine antibodies, costimulatory molecule blockade, anticomplement agents and therapies aimed at the plasma cell.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stanley C Jordan
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Kidney Transplant Program & Transplant Immunotherapy Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8900 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Nephrology & Transplant Immunology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Jua Choi
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Kidney Transplant Program & Transplant Immunotherapy Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8900 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Ashley Vo
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Kidney Transplant Program & Transplant Immunotherapy Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8900 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Melis JPM, Strumane K, Ruuls SR, Beurskens FJ, Schuurman J, Parren PWHI. Complement in therapy and disease: Regulating the complement system with antibody-based therapeutics. Mol Immunol 2015; 67:117-30. [PMID: 25697848 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Complement is recognized as a key player in a wide range of normal as well as disease-related immune, developmental and homeostatic processes. Knowledge of complement components, structures, interactions, and cross-talk with other biological systems continues to grow and this leads to novel treatments for cancer, infectious, autoimmune- or age-related diseases as well as for preventing transplantation rejection. Antibodies are superbly suited to be developed into therapeutics with appropriate complement stimulatory or inhibitory activity. Here we review the design, development and future of antibody-based drugs that enhance or dampen the complement system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul W H I Parren
- Genmab, Utrecht, The Netherlands; Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Govindan SV, Cardillo TM, Rossi EA, Trisal P, McBride WJ, Sharkey RM, Goldenberg DM. Improving the Therapeutic Index in Cancer Therapy by Using Antibody–Drug Conjugates Designed with a Moderately Cytotoxic Drug. Mol Pharm 2014; 12:1836-47. [DOI: 10.1021/mp5006195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Edmund A. Rossi
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950, United States
| | - Preeti Trisal
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950, United States
| | | | | | - David M. Goldenberg
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950, United States
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Immunology, Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Robak T. Current and emerging monoclonal antibody treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia: state of the art. Expert Rev Hematol 2014; 7:841-57. [PMID: 25249370 DOI: 10.1586/17474086.2014.963048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), rituximab, ofatumumab and obinutuzumab, have a significant impact in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), particularly in combination with chemotherapy. Over the last few years, several new mAbs have been developed and investigated in CLL. The most promising newer mAbs are directed against CD20, CD19, CD37 and CD40. Combinations of antibodies with targeted drugs like ibrutinib, idelalisib or lenalidomide will probably replace chemotherapy-based combinations in the near future. This review gives a critical overview of established mAbs as well as new antibodies potentially useful in CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Copernicus Memorial Hospital, 93-510 Lodz, Ul. Ciolkowskiego 2, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
|
20
|
Witzig TE, Tomblyn MB, Misleh JG, Kio EA, Sharkey RM, Wegener WA, Goldenberg DM. Anti-CD22 90Y-epratuzumab tetraxetan combined with anti-CD20 veltuzumab: a phase I study in patients with relapsed/refractory, aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Haematologica 2014; 99:1738-45. [PMID: 25150258 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.112110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A lingering criticism of radioimmunotherapy in non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the use of cold anti-CD20 antibody along with the radiolabeled anti-CD20 antibody. We instead combined radioimmunotherapy with immunotherapy targeting different B-cell antigens. We evaluated the anti-CD22 (90)Y-epratuzumab tetraxetan with the anti-CD20 veltuzumab in patients with aggressive lymphoma in whom at least one prior standard treatment had failed, but who had not undergone stem cell transplantation. Eighteen patients (median age 73 years, median of 3 prior treatments) received 200 mg/m(2) veltuzumab once-weekly for 4 weeks, with (90)Y-epratuzumab tetraxetan at planned doses in weeks 3 and 4, and (111)In-epratuzumab tetraxetan in week 2 for imaging and dosimetry. Veltuzumab effectively lowered levels of B cells in the blood prior to the radioimmunotherapy doses. No significant immunogenicity or change in pharmacokinetics of either agent occurred in combination. (111)In imaging showed tumor targeting with acceptable radiation dosimetry to normal organs. For (90)Y-epratuzumab tetraxetan, transient myelosuppression was dose-limiting with 6 mCi/m(2) (222 MBq/m(2)) × 2 being the maximal tolerated dose. Of 17 assessable patients, nine (53%) had objective responses according to the 2007 revised treatment response criteria, including three (18%) complete responses (2 relapsing after 11 and 13 months, 1 continuing to be clinically disease-free at 19 months), and six (35%) partial responses (1 relapsing after 14 months, 5 at 3 - 7 months). Responses occurred in patients with different lymphoma histologies, treated at different (90)Y dose levels, and with a predicted risk of poor outcome, most importantly including five of the six patients treated with the maximal tolerated dose (2 of whom achieved durable complete responses). In conclusion, the combination of (90)Y-epratuzumab tetraxetan and veltuzumab was well-tolerated with encouraging therapeutic activity in this difficult-to-treat population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ebenezer A Kio
- Indiana University Health Center for Cancer Care, Goshen, IN
| | | | | | - David M Goldenberg
- Immunomedics, Morris Plains, NJ Garden State Cancer Center, Center for Molecular Medicine and Immunology, Morris Plains, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rossi EA, Chang CH, Goldenberg DM. Anti-CD22/CD20 Bispecific antibody with enhanced trogocytosis for treatment of Lupus. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98315. [PMID: 24841238 PMCID: PMC4026529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The humanized anti-CD22 antibody, epratuzumab, has demonstrated therapeutic activity in clinical trials of lymphoma, leukemia and autoimmune diseases, treating currently over 1500 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, acute lymphoblastic leukemias, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Because epratuzumab reduces on average only 35% of circulating B cells in patients, and has minimal antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and negligible complement-dependent cytotoxicity when evaluated in vitro, its therapeutic activity may not result completely from B-cell depletion. We reported recently that epratuzumab mediates Fc/FcR-dependent membrane transfer from B cells to effector cells via trogocytosis, resulting in a substantial reduction of multiple BCR modulators, including CD22, CD19, CD21, and CD79b, as well as key cell adhesion molecules, including CD44, CD62L, and β7 integrin, on the surface of B cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from normal donors or SLE patients. Rituximab has clinical activity in lupus, but failed to achieve primary endpoints in a Phase III trial. This is the first study of trogocytosis mediated by bispecific antibodies targeting neighboring cell-surface proteins, CD22, CD20, and CD19, as demonstrated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy. We show that, compared to epratuzumab, a bispecific hexavalent antibody comprising epratuzumab and veltuzumab (humanized anti-CD20 mAb) exhibits enhanced trogocytosis resulting in major reductions in B-cell surface levels of CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD79b, CD44, CD62L and β7-integrin, and with considerably less immunocompromising B-cell depletion that would result with anti-CD20 mAbs such as veltuzumab or rituximab, given either alone or in combination with epratuzumab. A CD22/CD19 bispecific hexavalent antibody, which exhibited enhanced trogocytosis of some antigens and minimal B-cell depletion, may also be therapeutically useful. The bispecific antibody is a candidate for improved treatment of lupus and other autoimmune diseases, offering advantages over administration of the two parental antibodies in combination.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Antibodies, Bispecific/immunology
- Antibodies, Bispecific/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/pharmacology
- B-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Flow Cytometry
- Humans
- Immunological Synapses/metabolism
- Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/drug therapy
- Microscopy, Fluorescence
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/metabolism
- Rituximab
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edmund A. Rossi
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
- IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Chien-Hsing Chang
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
- IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - David M. Goldenberg
- Immunomedics, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
- IBC Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Immunology, Morris Plains, New Jersey, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Davies A, Merli F, Mihaljevic B, Siritanaratkul N, Solal-Céligny P, Barrett M, Berge C, Bittner B, Boehnke A, McIntyre C, Macdonald D. Pharmacokinetics and safety of subcutaneous rituximab in follicular lymphoma (SABRINA): stage 1 analysis of a randomised phase 3 study. Lancet Oncol 2014; 15:343-52. [PMID: 24521993 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(14)70005-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravenous rituximab is a mainstay of treatment for follicular lymphoma. A subcutaneous formulation that achieves equivalent rituximab serum concentrations might improve convenience and save health-care resources without sacrificing clinical activity. We aimed to assess pharmacokinetic non-inferiority of 3 week cycles of fixed-dose subcutaneous rituximab versus standard intravenous rituximab. METHODS In our two-stage, randomised, open-label, phase 3 trial, we enrolled patients with previously untreated grade 1-3a, CD20-positive follicular lymphoma at 67 centres in 23 countries. In stage 1, we randomly allocated patients 1:1 with the Pocock and Simon algorithm to intravenous rituximab (375 mg/m(2)) or fixed-dose subcutaneous rituximab (1400 mg), stratified by induction chemotherapy regimen (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone or cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone), Follicular Lymphoma International Prognostic Index score, and region. After randomisation, patients received one induction dose of intravenous rituximab in cycle 1 and then allocated treatment for cycles 2-8. Patients with a complete or partial response following induction therapy continued intravenous or subcutaneous rituximab as maintenance every 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the ratio of observed rituximab serum trough concentrations (Ctrough) between groups at cycle 7 (before cycle 8 dosing) of induction treatment in a per-protocol population. Patients were analysed as treated for safety endpoints. Stage 2 follow-up is ongoing and is fully accrued. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01200758. FINDINGS Between Feb 4, 2010, and Oct 21, 2011, we enrolled 127 patients. Pharmacokinetic data were available for 48 (75%) of 64 patients randomly allocated intravenous rituximab and 54 (86%) of 63 patients randomly allocated subcutaneous rituximab. Geometric mean Ctrough was 83·13 μg/mL in the intravenous group and 134·58 μg/mL in the subcutaneous group (ratio 1·62, 90% CI 1·36-1·94), showing non-inferiority of subcutaneous rituximab. 57 (88%) of 65 patients in the intravenous rituximab safety population had adverse events (30 [46%] grade ≥3), as did 57 (92%) of 62 patients in the subcutaneous rituximab safety population (29 [47%] grade ≥3). The most common grade 3 or worse adverse event in both groups was neutropenia (14 [22%] patients in the intravenous group and 16 [26%] patients in the subcutaneous group). Adverse events related to administration were mostly grade 1-2 and occurred in 21 (32%) patients in the intravenous group and 31 (50%) patients in the subcutaneous group. INTERPRETATION Stage 1 data show that the pharmacokinetic profile of subcutaneous rituximab was non-inferior to intravenous rituximab and was not associated with new safety concerns. Stage 2 will provide data for efficacy and safety of the subcutaneous administration. FUNDING F Hoffmann-La Roche.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Davies
- Cancer Research UK Centre, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK.
| | - Francesco Merli
- Hematology Unit, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Biljana Mihaljevic
- Clinic of Hematology, CCS, and Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | - Martin Barrett
- Clinical Development, Roche Products, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Claude Berge
- Clinical Development, F Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beate Bittner
- Clinical Development, F Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Axel Boehnke
- Clinical Development, F Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - David Macdonald
- Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Everds NE, Tarrant JM. Unexpected hematologic effects of biotherapeutics in nonclinical species and in humans. Toxicol Pathol 2013; 41:280-302. [PMID: 23471185 DOI: 10.1177/0192623312467400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Biotherapeutics are expanding the arsenal of therapeutics available for treating and preventing disease. Although initially thought to have limited side effects due to the specificity of their binding, these drugs have now been shown to have potential for adverse drug reactions including effects on peripheral blood cell counts or function. Hematotoxicity caused by a biotherapeutic can be directly related to the activity of the biotherapeutic or can be indirect and due to autoimmunity, biological cascades, antidrug antibodies, or other immune system responses. Biotherapeutics can cause hematotoxicity primarily as a result of cellular activation, cytotoxicity, drug-dependent and independent immune responses, and sequelae from initiating cytokine and complement cascades. The underlying pathogenesis of biotherapeutic-induced hematotoxicity often is poorly understood. Nonclinical studies have generally predicted clinical hematotoxicity for recombinant cytokines and growth factors. However, most hematologic liabilities of biotherapeutics are not based on drug class but are species specific, immune-mediated, and of low incidence. Despite the potential for unexpected hematologic toxicity, the risk-benefit profile of most biotherapeutics is favorable; hematologic effects are readily monitorable and managed by dose modification, drug withdrawal, and/or therapeutic intervention. This article reviews examples of biotherapeutics that have unexpected hematotoxicity in nonclinical or clinical studies.
Collapse
|
24
|
Chao MP. Treatment challenges in the management of relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - novel and emerging therapies. Cancer Manag Res 2013; 5:251-69. [PMID: 24049458 PMCID: PMC3775637 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s34273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last few decades, advances in immunochemotherapy have led to dramatic improvement in the prognosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Despite these advances, relapsed and refractory disease represents a major treatment challenge. For both aggressive and indolent subtypes of NHL, there is no standard of care for salvage regimens, with prognosis after relapse remaining relatively poor. Nevertheless, there are multiple emerging classes of targeted therapies for relapsed/refractory disease, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody- drug conjugates, radioimmunotherapy, small-molecule inhibitors of cell-growth pathways, and novel chemotherapy agents. This review will discuss treatment challenges of NHL, current available salvage regimens for relapsed/refractory NHL, and the safety and efficacy of novel emerging therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Chao
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Liebman HA, Saleh MN, Bussel JB, Negrea OG, Horne H, Wegener WA, Goldenberg DM. Low-dose anti-CD20 veltuzumab given intravenously or subcutaneously is active in relapsed immune thrombocytopenia: a phase I study. Br J Haematol 2013; 162:693-701. [PMID: 23829485 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Low doses of the humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, veltuzumab, were evaluated in 41 patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), including 9 with ITP ≤1 year duration previously treated with steroids and/or immunoglobulins, and 32 with ITP >1 year and additional prior therapies. They received two doses of 80-320 mg veltuzumab 2 weeks apart, initially by intravenous (IV) infusion (N = 7), or later by subcutaneous (SC) injections (N = 34), with only one Grade 3 infusion reaction and no other safety issues. Thirty-eight response-assessable patients had 21 (55%) objective responses (platelet count ≥30 × 10(9) /l and ≥2 × baseline), including 11 (29%) complete responses (CRs) (platelet count ≥100 × 10(9) /l). Responses (including CRs) occurred with both IV and SC administration, at all veltuzumab dose levels, and regardless of ITP duration. Responders with ITP ≤1 year had a longer median time to relapse (14·4 months) than those with ITP >1 year (5·8 months). Three patients have maintained a response for up to 4·3 years. SC injections resulted in delayed and lower peak serum levels of veltuzumab, but B-cell depletion occurred after first administration even at the lowest doses. Eight patients, including 6 responders, developed anti-veltuzumab antibodies following treatment (human anti-veltuzumab antibody, 19·5%). Low-dose SC veltuzumab appears convenient, well-tolerated, and with promising clinical activity in relapsed ITP.(Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00547066.).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Howard A Liebman
- Internal Medicine, Jane Anne Nohl Division of Hematology, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Govindan SV, Cardillo TM, Sharkey RM, Tat F, Gold DV, Goldenberg DM. Milatuzumab-SN-38 conjugates for the treatment of CD74+ cancers. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:968-78. [PMID: 23427296 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-12-1170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
CD74 is an attractive target for antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), because it internalizes and recycles after antibody binding. CD74 mostly is associated with hematologic tumors but is expressed also in solid cancers. Therefore, ADCs of the humanized anti-CD74 antibody, milatuzumab, were examined for the therapy of CD74-expressing solid tumors. Milatuzumab-doxorubicin and two milatuzumab-SN-38 conjugates with cleavable linkers, differing in their stability in serum and how they release SN-38 in the lysosome, were prepared. CD74 expression was determined by flow cytometry and immunohistology. In vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo therapeutic studies were conducted in the human cancer cell lines A-375 (melanoma), HuH-7 and Hep-G2 (hepatoma), Capan-1 (pancreatic), NCI-N87 (gastric), and Raji Burkitt lymphoma. The milatuzumab-SN-38 ADC was compared with SN-38 ADCs prepared with anti-Trop-2 and anti-CEACAM6 antibodies in xenografts expressing their target antigens. Milatuzumab-doxorubicin was most effective in the lymphoma model, whereas in A-375 and Capan-1 solid tumors, only milatuzumab-SN-38 showed a therapeutic benefit. Despite much lower surface expression of CD74 than Trop-2 or CEACAM6, milatuzumab-SN-38 had similar efficacy in Capan-1 as anti-Trop-2-SN-38, but in NCI-N87, anti-CEACAM6 and anti-Trop-2 conjugates were superior. Studies in two hepatoma lines at a single dose level showed significant benefit over saline controls but not against an irrelevant immunoglobulin G conjugate. CD74 is a suitable target for ADCs in some solid tumor xenografts, with efficacy largely influenced by uniformity of CD74 expression and with SN-38 conjugates providing the best therapeutic responses; SN-38 conjugates were preferable in solid cancers, whereas doxorubicin ADC was better in lymphoma tested.
Collapse
|
27
|
Choy EH, Kavanaugh AF, Jones SA. The problem of choice: current biologic agents and future prospects in RA. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2013; 9:154-63. [DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2013.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
28
|
Bhutani D, Vaishampayan UN. Monoclonal antibodies in oncology therapeutics: present and future indications. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2013; 13:269-82. [PMID: 23286740 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.758705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the last decade, the field of oncology has undergone revolutionary changes. One of the major reasons contributing to this change is the improvement in our understanding of the biology of cancer. Recognition of novel targets on the cancer cell has enabled development of tools to attack those targets. Monoclonal antibodies represent such a therapy that has rapidly been adapted in almost all major cancer subtypes. AREAS COVERED This review intends to give a comprehensive overview of monoclonal antibodies, including mechanism of action, the currently approved agents and future targets. The authors reviewed published data as well as information from the ongoing clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION Monoclonal antibodies represent a major new advance in oncology therapy but there remains significant room for improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Divaya Bhutani
- Wayne State University, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Department of Medicine, 4 Hudson Webber Cancer Research Center, 4100 John R, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Robak T. Emerging monoclonal antibodies and related agents for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Future Oncol 2013; 9:69-91. [DOI: 10.2217/fon.12.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) – rituximab, ofatumumab and alemtuzumab – have been approved for use in the therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Recently, a new generation of anti-CD20 mAbs has become available for preclinical studies and clinical trials. These antibodies were engineered to have augmented antitumor activity by increasing complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and Fc-binding affinity for the low-affinity variants of the Fcγ receptor IIIa. The most promising mAb directed against CD20 is obinutuzumab (GA-101). mAbs directed against CD22, CD37 and CD40 have also shown some activity in CLL. In addition, small modular immunopharmaceuticals – TRU-015 (anti-CD20) and TRU-016 (anti-CD37) – that retain Fc-mediated effector functions have been developed and investigated in preclinical studies and clinical trials. Antibody–drug conjugates and recombinant immunotoxins are also being evaluated in lymphoid malignancies. Further studies will elucidate the role of these agents in the treatment of CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-510 Lodz, Ul. Ciolkowskiego 2, Poland and Copernicus Memorial Hospital, 93-510 Lodz, Ul. Ciolkowskiego 2, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cang S, Mukhi N, Wang K, Liu D. Novel CD20 monoclonal antibodies for lymphoma therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2012; 5:64. [PMID: 23057966 PMCID: PMC3479003 DOI: 10.1186/1756-8722-5-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Rituximab (RTX), a monoclonal antibody (mAb) against CD20, has been widely used for lymphoma therapy. RTX in combination with cyclophosphamide /doxorubicin /vincristine /prednisone (R-CHOP) remains the standard frontline regimen for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. However, suboptimal response and /or resistance to rituximab have remained a challenge in the therapy of B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Novel agents are under active clinical trials. This review will summarize the latest development in new mAbs against CD20, which include second-generation mAbs, ofatumumab, veltuzumab (IMMU-106), ocrelizumab (PRO70769), and third-generation mAbs, AME-133v (ocaratuzumab), PRO131921 and GA101 (obinutumumab).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shundong Cang
- Department of Oncology, People’s Hospital, Henan Province, China
| | - Nikhil Mukhi
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Kemeng Wang
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| | - Delong Liu
- Department of Medicine, New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, NY, 10595, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
The future of antibodies as cancer drugs. Drug Discov Today 2012; 17:954-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2012.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
32
|
Bugelski PJ, Martin PL. Concordance of preclinical and clinical pharmacology and toxicology of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins: cell surface targets. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 166:823-46. [PMID: 22168282 PMCID: PMC3417412 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01811.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Revised: 10/14/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and fusion proteins directed towards cell surface targets make an important contribution to the treatment of disease. The purpose of this review was to correlate the clinical and preclinical data on the 15 currently approved mAbs and fusion proteins targeted to the cell surface. The principal sources used to gather data were: the peer reviewed Literature; European Medicines Agency 'Scientific Discussions'; and the US Food and Drug Administration 'Pharmacology/Toxicology Reviews' and package inserts (United States Prescribing Information). Data on the 15 approved biopharmaceuticals were included: abatacept; abciximab; alefacept; alemtuzumab; basiliximab; cetuximab; daclizumab; efalizumab; ipilimumab; muromonab; natalizumab; panitumumab; rituximab; tocilizumab; and trastuzumab. For statistical analysis of concordance, data from these 15 were combined with data on the approved mAbs and fusion proteins directed towards soluble targets. Good concordance with human pharmacodynamics was found for mice receiving surrogates or non-human primates (NHPs) receiving the human pharmaceutical. In contrast, there was poor concordance for human pharmacodynamics in genetically deficient mice and for human adverse effects in all three test systems. No evidence that NHPs have superior predictive value was found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Bugelski
- Biologics Toxicology, Janssen Research & Development, division of Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, LLC, Radnor, PA 19087, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Alinari L, Christian B, Baiocchi RA. Novel targeted therapies for mantle cell lymphoma. Oncotarget 2012; 3:203-11. [PMID: 22361516 PMCID: PMC3326650 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 02/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell malignancy characterized by short median survival despite intensive therapies. The clinical behavior of MCL may be due to the complex pathophysiology of the disease which includes its genetic hallmark, the chromosomal translocation t(11;14) resulting in aberrant expression of cyclin D1, alteration in the DNA damage response, and constitutive activation of key anti-apoptotic pathways such as phosphatidyl-inositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB). Collectively, these changes result in cell cycle dysregulation and give rise to profound genetic instability. Given this complex pathophysiology, the limited number of options for patients with relapsed/refractory MCL, and the difficulty in achieving long-lasting remissions with conventional approaches, it is essential to explore new treatment options targeting the numerous dysregulated pathways that are operable in MCL. We have recently reported that milatuzumab, a fully humanized anti-CD74 monoclonal antibody (mAb), in combination with anti-CD20 mAbs has significant preclinical and clinical activity in MCL. Here we discuss these results, provide additional insights into milatuzumab-mediated MCL cell death, and report preliminary data on the activity of other targeted biologic agents including PCI-32765 and CAL-101 currently undergoing evaluation at our institution and others.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adenine/analogs & derivatives
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Antigens, CD20/immunology
- Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Cell Cycle/physiology
- Clinical Trials as Topic
- Cyclin D1/metabolism
- DNA Repair
- Female
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class II/immunology
- Humans
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism
- Piperidines
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Purines/pharmacology
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Pyrimidines/pharmacology
- Quinazolinones/pharmacology
- TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases/antagonists & inhibitors
- Translocation, Genetic
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lapo Alinari
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Robak T, Robak E. New anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of B-cell lymphoid malignancies. BioDrugs 2011; 25:13-25. [PMID: 21090841 DOI: 10.2165/11539590-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the last few years, new generations of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have been developed for potential benefits over the classical, first-generation mAb rituximab. Compared with rituximab, new mAbs have enhanced antitumor activity resulting from increased complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and/or antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and increased Fc binding affinity for the low-affinity variants of the FcγRIIIa receptor (CD16) on immune effector cells. The second-generation mAbs, which include ofatumumab, veltuzumab, and ocrelizumab, are humanized or fully human to reduce immunogenicity, but with an unmodified Fc region. Ofatumumab is a fully human anti-CD20 IgG1 mAb in clinical development for hematological malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Ofatumumab specifically recognizes an epitope encompassing both the small and large extracellular loops of CD20 molecule, and is more effective than rituximab at CDC induction and killing target cells. Veltuzumab (IMMU-106, hA20) is a humanized anti-CD20 mAb with complementarity-determining regions similar to rituximab. This antibody has enhanced binding avidities and a stronger effect on CDC compared with rituximab. Ocrelizumab is a humanized mAb with the potential for enhanced efficacy in lymphoid malignancies compared with rituximab due to increased binding affinity for the low-affinity variants of the FcγRIIIa receptor. The third-generation mAbs are also humanized mAbs, but in addition they have an engineered Fc to increase their binding affinity for the FcγRIIIa receptor. The third-generation mAbs include AME-133v, PRO131921 and GA-101. AME-133v (LY2469298) is a type I, humanized IgG1 mAb with enhanced affinity for FcγRIIIa receptor and an enhanced ADCC activity compared with rituximab. PRO131921 is a humanized anti-CD20 mAb engineered to have improved binding to FcγRIIIa and better ADCC compared with rituximab. GA-101 (RO5072759) is a fully humanized, type II, IgG1 mAb derived from humanization of the parental B-Ly1 mouse antibody and subsequent glycoengineering using GlycoMab® technology. GA-101 was designed for enhanced ADCC and superior direct cell-killing properties, in comparison with currently available type I antibodies. TRU-015 is a small modular immunopharmaceutical (SMIP) derived from key domains of an anti-CD20 antibody. TRU-015 represents a novel biological compound that retains Fc-mediated effector functions and is smaller than mAbs. In this article we review data on new anti-CD20 mAbs that are potentially useful in the treatment of lymphoid malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadeusz Robak
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Nakken B, Munthe LA, Konttinen YT, Sandberg AK, Szekanecz Z, Alex P, Szodoray P. B-cells and their targeting in rheumatoid arthritis — Current concepts and future perspectives. Autoimmun Rev 2011; 11:28-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2011.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 06/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
|
36
|
Sharkey RM, Govindan SV, Cardillo TM, Goldenberg DM. Epratuzumab-SN-38: a new antibody-drug conjugate for the therapy of hematologic malignancies. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 11:224-34. [PMID: 22039078 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We previously found that slowly internalizing antibodies conjugated with SN-38 could be used successfully when prepared with a linker that allows approximately 50% of the IgG-bound SN-38 to dissociate in serum every 24 hours. In this study, the efficacy of SN-38 conjugates prepared with epratuzumab (rapidly internalizing) and veltuzumab (slowly internalizing), humanized anti-CD22 and anti-CD20 IgG, respectively, was examined for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. Both antibody-drug conjugates had similar nanomolar activity against a variety of human lymphoma/leukemia cell lines, but slow release of SN-38 compromised potency discrimination in vitro even against an irrelevant conjugate. When SN-38 was stably linked to the anti-CD22 conjugate, its potency was reduced 40- to 55-fold. Therefore, further studies were conducted only with the less stable, slowly dissociating linker. In vivo, similar antitumor activity was found between CD22 and CD20 antibody-drug conjugate in mice-bearing Ramos xenografts, even though Ramos expressed 15-fold more CD20 than CD22, suggesting that the internalization of the epratuzumab-SN-38 conjugate (Emab-SN-38) enhanced its activity. Emab-SN-38 was more efficacious than a nonbinding, irrelevant IgG-SN-38 conjugate in vivo, eliminating a majority of well-established Ramos xenografts at nontoxic doses. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that Emab-SN-38 could be combined with unconjugated veltuzumab for a more effective treatment. Thus, Emab-SN-38 is active in lymphoma and leukemia at doses well below toxic levels and therefore represents a new promising agent with therapeutic potential alone or combined with anti-CD20 antibody therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Sharkey
- Garden State Cancer Center, 300 American Road, Morris Plains, New Jersey 07950, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Sharkey RM, Karacay H, Govindan SV, Goldenberg DM. Combination radioimmunotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy involving different or the same targets improves therapy of human pancreatic carcinoma xenograft models. Mol Cancer Ther 2011; 10:1072-81. [PMID: 21467164 PMCID: PMC5654622 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-11-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chemoimmunotherapy with antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) is emerging as a promising therapy for solid tumors, whereas radioimmunotherapy (RAIT) of solid tumors has been relatively ineffective because of their resistance to radiation. We developed antibody-SN-38 conjugates that have significant antitumor activity in xenograft models at nontoxic doses. The goal of this study was to determine if an ADC could be combined with RAIT to enhance efficacy without a commensurate increase in host toxicity. Nude mice bearing human pancreatic cancer xenografts (Capan-1 and BxPC-3) were treated with a single dose of 90Y-labeled antimucin antibody (hPAM4; clivatuzumab tetraxetan) alone or in combination with an anti-Trop-2-SN-38 conjugate, typically administered twice weekly over 4 weeks. The combination, even at RAIT's maximum tolerated dose, controlled tumor progression and cured established xenografts significantly better than the individual treatments without appreciable toxicity. The ADC could be started 1 week after or up to 2 weeks before RAIT with similar enhanced responses, but delaying RAIT for 2 weeks after the ADC was less effective. A nonspecific ADC provided additional benefit over using free drug (irinotecan), but the response was enhanced with the specific ADC. When targeting Capan-1 with ample mucin, hPAM4 could be used as the RAIT and the ADC agent without losing effectiveness, but in BxPC-3 with less mucin, targeting of different antigens was preferred. These studies show the feasibility of combining ADC and RAIT for improved efficacy without increased toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Sharkey
- Garden State Cancer Center, Center for Molecular Medicine and Immunology, 300 American Way, Morris Plains, NJ 07950, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Negrea GO, Elstrom R, Allen SL, Rai KR, Abbasi RM, Farber CM, Teoh N, Horne H, Wegener WA, Goldenberg DM. Subcutaneous injections of low-dose veltuzumab (humanized anti-CD20 antibody) are safe and active in patients with indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Haematologica 2010; 96:567-73. [PMID: 21173095 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2010.037390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Subcutaneous injections of anti-CD20 antibodies may offer benefits to both patients and the healthcare system for treatment of B-cell malignancies. DESIGN AND METHODS A pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the potential for subcutaneous dosing with 2(nd) generation anti-CD20 antibody veltuzumab in patients with CD20(+) indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Patients with previously untreated or relapsed disease received 4 doses of 80, 160, or 320 mg veltuzumab injected subcutaneously every two weeks. Responses were assessed by computed tomography scans, with other evaluations including adverse events, safety laboratories, B-cell blood levels, serum veltuzumab levels, and human anti-veltuzumab antibody (HAHA) titers. RESULTS Seventeen patients (14 follicular lymphoma; 13 stage III or IV disease; 5 treatment-naive) completed treatment with only occasional, mild-moderate, transient injection reactions and no other safety issues. Subcutaneous veltuzumab demonstrated a slow release pattern over several days, achieving a mean Cmax of 19, 25 and 63 μg/mL at 80, 160, and 320 mg doses for a total of 4 administrations, respectively. Depletion of circulating B cells occurred after the first injection. The objective response rate (partial responses plus complete responses plus complete responses unconfirmed) was 47% (8/17) with a complete response/complete response unconfirmed rate of 24% (4/17); 4 of 8 objective responses continued for 60 weeks or more. All serum samples evaluated for human anti-veltuzumab antibody were negative. CONCLUSIONS Subcutaneous injections of low-dose veltuzumab are convenient, well tolerated, and capable of achieving sustained serum levels, B-cell depletion, and durable objective responses in indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. (Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00546793).
Collapse
|