SUMMARY
Lymphomas are the most common haematological malignancy and represent a heterogenous group of lymphoproliferative diseases with a variable prognosis. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and anti-CD20 immunotherapy for B-cell lymphomas, currently form the basis of lymphoma treatment. New agents, especially new forms of cancer immunotherapy, such as bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), have expanded therapeutic approaches in the last years. bsAbs have two different antigen binding sites, which enables them to simultaneously target tumour cells and immune effector cells (T-cells). By binding and activating T-cells in the proximity of tumour cells, an effective T-cell mediated anti-tumour response can be achieved. Target antigens in lymphomas are mostly CD19 or CD20 on the malignant B-cell and CD3 on the T-cell. This article will briefly review the basic principles and mechanisms of action of bsAbs, discuss the molecules approved or in advanced clinical development for lymphomas with their most relevant (dose-escalation/dose-expansion) trials, and pay attention to possible adverse events and future perspectives of bsAbs.
(BELG J HEMATOL 2023;14(2):67–72)
