PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
23 January, 2024 by Anshul (neobio)
Top Targeted Therapy and Drug Options for Lymphoma Treatment
Understanding the different drug targets in lymphoma treatment can be complicated due to the unique biology of various types of cancers, variable patient profiles and the rapid advancements in treatment options. This complexity highlights the importance for researchers to have high-quality, specific and trusted tools in their investigative journey. Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) stand as one such potent tool, with a significant role in cancer treatment, fostering the development of tailored, ‘targeted therapies’ for lymphoma.
Targeted therapy, as the name suggests, is a type of cancer treatment that specifically aims at proteins controlling how cancer cells grow, divide, and spread. Researchers are continually improving these treatments by identifying new and more efficient targets related to the DNA changes and proteins that drive the disease.
In this article, we provide a close look at the key drug targets involved in lymphoma treatment, from Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors used to treat B-cell lymphomas to the complex world of MABs. We’ll also address some of the most commonly used immunomodulators, hypomethylating agents, and discuss in detail the role of biosimilars in lymphoma treatment.
The realm of drug targets for lymphoma cancer is vast and complex, a constantly evolving field driven by the rapid pace of scientific advancements and our ever-increasing understanding of lymphoma biology. Here, we’ll look at some of the key drug targets that are playing a transformative role in the treatment of lymphoma cancer.
Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitors are becoming a beacon of hope for B-cell lymphomas. BTK is a protein that plays a crucial role in the growth and survival of B-cells. Inhibiting this protein can selectively kill malignant B-cells, leaving healthy T-cells largely unaffected. This selective action distinguishes BTK inhibitors from many other treatment methods.
Some of the approved BTK inhibitors for treating lymphoma include Acalabrutinib (Calquence), Ibrutinib (Imbruvica), and Zanubrutinib (Brukinsa). These inhibitors have shown promising results in clinical trials and are being used increasingly in the management of lymphoma.
Proteasomes are protein complexes that break down unneeded or damaged proteins in cells. In cancer cells, this process is often dysregulated, leading to the buildup of harmful proteins that can drive cancer progression. Proteasome inhibitors block the action of proteasomes, causing cancer cells to die from protein overload. This approach has shown promise in treating various types of lymphomas.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are a family of enzymes involved in various cellular functions, including cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, motility, survival, and intracellular trafficking. Abnormal activation of PI3K pathways is often observed in cancer cells, making it a potential target for cancer therapy. PI3K inhibitors are a new class of targeted therapies being explored for the treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
MABs are laboratory-made molecules that can mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful antigens such as cancer cells. They are designed to attach to specific defects in cancer cells, making these cells more visible to the immune system.
In the context of lymphoma treatment, MABs have become the most common form of targeted therapy. They work by targeting specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, blocking growth signals, delivering radiation or drugs directly to the cancer cells, or recruiting immune cells to destroy them.
Targeted drugs, such as MABs, have transformed the treatment landscape for lymphoma; however, these therapies also present their own set of challenges. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehend the potential side effects and risks associated with these treatments.
MABs, a common type of targeted drug used in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), can cause a range of side effects. MABs, such as rituximab, obinutuzumab, and polatuzumab vedotin, have been particularly instrumental in treating NHL.
However, these drugs also have side effects, which can include skin changes such as red and sore skin or an itchy rash, diarrhea, tiredness, flu-like symptoms (including chills, fever, dizziness, and nausea), and other adverse effects. These side effects can vary depending on the specific drug used, whether it is taken alone or in combination with other medications, and the patient’s overall health.
A common side effect of MABs is an allergic reaction to the drug. This reaction is most likely to occur during treatment and when the patient first begins the treatment. To mitigate this, some patients may take additional drugs before treatment to try to prevent a reaction.
While targeted therapies have shown great promise in treating lymphoma, they are not without their challenges. Resistance to treatment is a common issue, particularly with rituximab, rendering the treatment less effective.
Another challenge is the specificity of targeted therapies. These drugs work by targeting specific proteins on cancer cells, which means they may not be effective if the cancer cells do not express these proteins or if the proteins are not accessible.
It is also important to consider the long-term risks and potential unknown side effects of these relatively new therapies, as many targeted drugs have only been in use for a few years.
Despite these challenges, targeted therapies continue to be a crucial tool in the fight against lymphoma. As our understanding of lymphoma biology continues to grow, so too will our ability to develop more effective and less toxic targeted therapies.
In this section, we explore the next generation of drugs, the role of biosimilars, and the potential of oral treatments.
Several promising drug targets for lymphoma cancer are on the horizon. One such drug is Acalabrutinib, a Bruton Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor, which is already showing promise in the treatment of lymphoma. As a BTK inhibitor, Acalabrutinib targets a protein critical for the growth and survival of B-cells. This selective action allows it to kill malignant B-cells while leaving healthy T-cells largely unaffected.
Next in line is Venetoclax, a BCL-2 inhibitor. The BCL-2 protein plays a crucial role in the survival of cancer cells, and by inhibiting this protein, Venetoclax induces the death of cancer cells.
Finally, there is Pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug that targets the PD-1 protein. This protein is often overexpressed in cancer cells, preventing the immune system from attacking them. Pembrolizumab works by blocking the PD-1 protein, thus allowing the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer cells.
Biosimilars, essentially copies of biologic drugs, also hold promise for the future of lymphoma treatment. The complexity of replicating biologic drugs makes the production of biosimilars more challenging than that of typical generic drugs. However, the advantage is that biosimilars can offer the same efficacy as the original biologic drugs but at a reduced cost, making treatment more accessible.
Several biosimilars have already been approved for the treatment of lymphoma, such as Adalimumab-adbm (Cyltezo) and Rituximab-arrx (Riabni), and more are likely to follow in the coming years. Their role in the future of lymphoma treatment is poised to be significant, particularly in enhancing access to effective treatments.
In addition to these developments, oral therapies are also gaining traction in the treatment of lymphoma. Oral therapies offer several advantages, including the convenience of administration and the potential for maintaining a more consistent level of the drug in the body. Oral versions of targeted therapies, such as BTK inhibitors, are already showing promising results in clinical trials.
In conclusion, the future of drug targets for lymphoma cancer is indeed promising. With more targeted drugs, biosimilars, and oral therapies in the pipeline, we are moving closer to a future where lymphoma can be managed more effectively and with fewer side effects.
