Obinutuzumab vs. Rituximab for Follicular Lymphoma

Adding obinutuzumab to chemotherapy produced longer responses in previously untreated patients, but also a higher rate of severe adverse events.

The type II anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody obinutuzumab has improved antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and direct lymphoma-cell killing effects compared with rituximab (Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 12:2031). Now, investigators have conducted an industry-sponsored, multicenter, phase III study to compare the activity of the two agents combined with chemotherapy in 1202 previously untreated patients with advanced-stage follicular lymphoma (FL).

Patients were randomized to obinutuzumab (1000 mg) or rituximab (375 mg/m²) plus chemotherapy: bendamustine for 6 cycles or CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) or CVP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone) for 8 cycles. Patients who achieved complete or partial remi…

Reviewing Author

Michael E. Williams, MD, ScM

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAbbVie; AstraZeneca; Beigene; Janssen; Pharmacyclics

Grant/Research SupportJanssen

Editorial BoardsAmerican Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Hematology Longitudinal Knowledge Approval Committee

Michael E. Williams, MD, ScM

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardAbbVie; AstraZeneca; Beigene; Janssen; Pharmacyclics

Grant/Research SupportJanssen

Editorial BoardsAmerican Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Hematology Longitudinal Knowledge Approval Committee

Obinutuzumab vs. Rituximab for Follicular Lymphoma

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Reviewing Author