Immunopathology and immunotherapy of non-hodgkin lymphoma

Abstract

Immunotherapy has been increasingly applied in the treatment of various malignancies in recent decades. Considering the suboptimal results obtained by applying other treatment modalities in the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), as well as the considerable morbidity posed by the condition, attention has been drawn to immunotherapy as an efficient alternative or complement therapy. In light of the unique immunopathology of NHL, it is recognized as a suitable target for immunotherapy. This chapter seeks to discuss a wide spectrum of immunotherapeutic approaches, ranging from initial monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to novel techniques developed in recent years, which are still in their infancy. In addition to mAbs as a separate entity, their efficacy in combination with other modalities including chemotherapy and radiotherapy has been provided. Since a clear concept of the pathobiology of NHL would aid in efficient immunotherapy, a brief description with an emphasis on suitable targets for immunotherapy is given before discussing various immunotherapies.