Polatuzumab vedotin: an investigational anti-CD79b antibody drug conjugate for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Polatuzumab vedotin: an investigational anti-CD79b antibody drug conjugate for the treatment of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2020 Jul 23;: Authors: Bourbon E, Salles G Abstract INTRODUCTION: New agents for the management of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are needed, particularly for high-risk and relapsed or refractory patients. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) provide targeted drug delivery to tumors with a broader therapeutic index of cytotoxic agent thus reducing their systemic toxicity while increasing intracellular concentrations. Among them, polatuzumab vedotin, an anti-CD79b conjugated to the microtubule inhibitor monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) raises particular interest. AREAS COVERED: We discuss the pharmacological development of polatuzumab vedotin and offer insights into the challenges of designing a successful ADC. We summarize data from preclinical studies and recent trials, and the ongoing phase III POLARIX trial. EXPERT OPINION: Clinical data from phase Ib/II studies demonstrate significant promise for polatuzumab vedotin in association with rituximab and bendamustine in relapsed or refractory (R/R) DLBCL. In first line, in association with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and prednisone (R-CHP), promising phase II results led to the development of the phase III POLARIX trial whose results are eagerly awaited. If dosing and scheduling are adequately managed to a...
Source: Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Expert Opin Investig Drugs Source Type: research