Which Anti-CD20 Antibody Is Better in Follicular Lymphoma?

Abstract

In this issue of the Journal, Marcus et al.7 report the use of a new anti-CD20 antibody, obinutuzumab, that was engineered to have a lower complement-dependent cytotoxicity but greater antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and phagocytosis and greater direct B-cell killing. A randomized trial was undertaken of chemoimmunotherapy induction followed by maintenance antibody therapy, comparing rituximab with obinutuzumab, to see whether the improved characteristics of obinutuzumab led to an improved antilymphoma effect without a higher risk of toxic effects.