Rituximab: mechanism of action

GJ Weiner - Seminars in hematology, 2010 - Elsevier
Rituximab is a mainstay in the therapy for a broad variety of B-cell malignancies. Despite its
undeniable therapeutic value, we still do not fully understand the mechanisms of action
responsible for rituximab's anti-tumor effects. Direct signaling, complement-mediated
cytotoxicity (CMC), and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) all appear to play a
role in rituximab efficacy. In vitro, animal model and clinical data addressing each of these
mechanisms of action are reviewed, as are data speaking to the complexity of interactions …