Local experience with the novel human anti-CD20 antibody, ofatumumab, as salvage treatment for patients with heavily pretreated chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

摘要

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) remains the most common haematological neoplasm in Australia. Despite many patients being diagnosed in early stage where a watchful waiting strategy is appropriate, most patients will eventually require therapy. Although recent studies using the combination of fludara-bine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR)1 have established the achievement of complete remission as a beneficial and realistic target in younger patients, treatment options for patients with fludarabine-refractory disease are severely limited. There remains a substantial need for effective and well-tolerated agents for patients with treatment resistant and relapsed/refractory disease.