A combined approach with rituximab plus anti-TRAIL-R agonistic antibodies for the treatment of haematological malignancies

Curr Pharm Des. 2008;14(21):2085-99. doi: 10.2174/138161208785294582.

Abstract

Molecular targeted therapies have changed the landscape of cancer research. Agonistic monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) targeting TRAIL-death receptors (TRAIL-Rs) have been developed and currently used in clinical trials. Binding of such antibodies to TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 results in death inducing signalling complex (DISC) formation and induction of apoptosis, which represents a natural mechanism of cell growth control and an ideal target for drug development. These novel fully humanized compounds have been associated with conventional chemotherapy in the treatment of advanced solid malignancies, including different types of lymphoma. Here we outline the rationale and potential of a new molecular-based strategy combining agonistic anti-TRAIL-death receptor monoclonal antibodies plus the pioneer of the new biological frontiers of cancer therapy: rituximab.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Death Domain Receptor Signaling Adaptor Proteins / immunology
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / immunology
  • Humans
  • Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / immunology
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / immunology
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Death Domain Receptor Signaling Adaptor Proteins
  • Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • TNFRSF10A protein, human
  • TNFRSF10B protein, human
  • Rituximab