The role of rituximab in the treatment of canine lymphoma: an ex vivo evaluation

Vet J. 2006 May;171(3):556-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2005.03.005.

Abstract

Targeting the CD20 receptor that is common to many B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma subtypes in people, rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody which has significantly improved disease-free survival rates compared with the use of cytotoxic agents alone. This study evaluated ex vivo canine B cell binding and depletion by rituximab with flow cytometric technique as possible proof of concept for treatment of canine lymphoma. Despite immunohistochemistry supporting CD20 expression, rituximab did not bind or deplete canine B cells and it is unlikely that it will be added to the armamentarium of treatment options for canine lymphoma.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Dog Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Dogs
  • Flow Cytometry / veterinary
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / veterinary*
  • Rituximab
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Rituximab