Antibody-based therapies in B-cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

Targeted therapies represent a major breakthrough in the treatment of adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Because lymphoblastic leukaemia cells express a variety of specific antigens, those ones can serve as targets for monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs). Anti-CD20 (rituximab), anti-CD19 (blinatumomab, SAR3419), anti-CD22 (epratuzumab, inotuzumab ozogamicin) and anti-CD52 (alemtuzumab) have therefore been developed. Possible strategies even include recruitment of CD3 cytotoxic T cells (blinatumomab) or adoptive T-cell therapy by gene transfer of CD19-chimeric antigen receptors (CD19-CARs). Recent data show that antibody-based therapy is a highly promising treatment approach. However, optimal treatment approach still needs to be defined.