Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2010 Apr;47(2):115-23.
doi: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2010.01.011.

Rituximab: mechanism of action

George J Weiner  1
Affiliations
Review

Rituximab: mechanism of action

George J Weiner. Semin Hematol. 2010 Apr.

Abstract

Rituximab is a mainstay in the therapy for a broad variety of B-cell malignancies. Despite its undeniable therapeutic value, we still do not fully understand the mechanisms of action responsible for rituximab's anti-tumor effects. Direct signaling, complement-mediated cytotoxicity (CMC), and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) all appear to play a role in rituximab efficacy. In vitro, animal model and clinical data addressing each of these mechanisms of action are reviewed, as are data speaking to the complexity of interactions between these mechanisms. Taken together, these data suggest different mechanisms are likely important in different scenarios. Study of the complex mechanisms of action that contribute to the clinical efficacy of rituximab have led to novel clinical trials including novel combinations, schedules, and generation of additional antibodies designed to have even greater effect. Such studies need to be accompanied by rigorous correlative analysis if we are to understand the importance of various mechanisms of action of rituximab and use that information to improve on what is already an indispensable component of therapy.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A) Mechanisms of action related to direct rituximab-induced signaling B) Mechanisms of action related to rituximab-induced CMC and ADCC with potential that these two mechanisms can be antagonistic.
Figure 1
Figure 1
A) Mechanisms of action related to direct rituximab-induced signaling B) Mechanisms of action related to rituximab-induced CMC and ADCC with potential that these two mechanisms can be antagonistic.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

See all "Cited by" articles

References

    1. Maloney DG, Grillo-Lopez AJ, Bodkin DJ, et al. IDEC-C2B8: results of a phase I multiple-dose trial in patients with relapsed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma [see comments] J Clin Oncol. 1997;15(10):3266–74. - PubMed
    1. McLaughlin P, Grillo-Lopez AJ, Link BK, et al. Rituximab chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy for relapsed indolent lymphoma: half of patients respond to a four-dose treatment program. J Clin Oncol. 1998;16(8):2825–33. - PubMed
    1. Habermann TM, Weller EA, Morrison VA, et al. Rituximab-CHOP versus CHOP alone or with maintenance rituximab in older patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. J Clin Oncol. 2006;24(19):3121–7. - PubMed
    1. Coiffier B, Lepage E, Briere J, et al. CHOP chemotherapy plus rituximab compared with CHOP alone in elderly patients with diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2002;346(4):235–42. - PubMed
    1. Maloney DG, Grillolopez AJ, White CA, et al. Idec-C2b8 (Rituximab) Anti-Cd20 Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Patients With Relapsed Low-Grade Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Blood. 1997;90(6):2188–2195. - PubMed

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources

-