Therapeutic Options in Relapsed or Refractory Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Part 2. Novel Therapeutic Strategies

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients who are not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy may benefit from an increasing number of regimens integrating novel agents with promising activity and manageable toxicity. Advances in biotechnology have led to the development and validation of novel biomarkers used for categorization or risk stratification in patients with DLBCL. Simultaneously, novel agents are being developed to target cellular pathways that are important in the initiation, growth, and progression of DLBCL. These agents are undergoing clinical testing, and early data are encouraging. This two-part review, which begain in last month's issue of ONCOLOGY, summarizes treatment options for patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL and stresses the emerging therapeutic challenges for patients who were previously exposed to rituximab.