antiCD20therapie

Anti-CD20 therapy is a class of drugs used to treat certain B-cell lymphomas and autoimmune diseases. These therapies target the CD20 protein, which is found on the surface of most B-cells. B-cells are a type of white blood cell that plays a role in the immune system and can sometimes become cancerous or contribute to autoimmune conditions.

The mechanism of action for anti-CD20 therapies involves antibodies that bind to the CD20 protein. Once bound, these antibodies can trigger the immune system to attack and destroy the B-cells expressing CD20. This can be achieved through several pathways, including antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), and by directly inducing B-cell apoptosis.

Commonly used anti-CD20 therapies include rituximab, obinutuzumab, and ofatumumab. Rituximab was one of the first and most widely used, while obinutuzumab and ofatumumab represent newer generations with potentially different binding characteristics or efficacy. These treatments are administered intravenously.

Indications for anti-CD20 therapy include various subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma, as well as chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In autoimmune diseases, it is employed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, and microscopic polyangiitis, where B-cells are implicated in the disease process.

Side effects can include infusion-related reactions, such as fever and chills, as well as an increased risk of infection due to the depletion of B-cells. Monitoring for these effects and appropriate management are crucial during treatment. The efficacy and tolerability of anti-CD20 therapies have significantly improved outcomes for patients with these conditions.