Recent Advances in Therapeutics for B-Cell Lymphoma

Objectives: The molecular targeting drugs for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma have been dramatically developed. Recently, novel drugs of monoclonal antibodies and small molecules are approved by US FDA (Food and Drug Administration). Key Findings: This review summarizes characteristics, mechanisms, and results of the trials in the novel molecular targeting drugs for B-cell lymphoma such as obinutuzumab, polatuzumab vedotin, ibrutinib, idelalisib, and venetoclax. Summary: As a novel anti-CD20 antibody, obinutuzumab has been clinically developed on going. ADC (antibody drug conjugate) against CD79b molecules is also developed for B-cell lymphoma. BCR pathway is one of the most crucial pathways, and ibrutinib is a BTK (Bruton's tyrosine kinase) inhibitor that is under development for the treatment of B-cell malignancies, including CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia), MCL (mantle cell lymphoma), and DLBCL (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma), as well as FL (follicular lymphoma). BCL-2 family dysfunction and impairment of apoptosis are common in most B-cell lymphoid malignancies. Venetoclax, which is a highly selective BCL-2 inhibitor, a mimic for its BCL2 homolog 3-domain to induce apoptosis, is also reported to be active against B-cell malignancies. Conclusions: Mechanism-based combination regimens including these drugs may be required in the future.