Immunotherapy for Canine Lymphoma: Progress Toward a New Solution

Presentation Description / Summary: Since the market introduction of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb) rituximab in the late 1990s, immunotherapy options for human lymphoma have expanded dramatically. The immunotherapy repertoire for human lymphoma now ranges from mAbs and bispecific antibodies to immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR T-cell therapies and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants. These immunotherapeutic advances have had a significant impact on treatment outcomes. A number of (unsuccessful) attempts have been made in the last 10-15 years to bring immunotherapy options to veterinary oncology. Renewed interest in the role for immuonotherapeutics and improved technology options have recently brought new immunotherapies to the investigative stage for canine lymphoma. This session will provide a brief summary of current status of immunotherapy for human lymphoma. We will then review the course of immunotherapies for canine lymphoma over the past 10-15 years, including the challenges encountered. New/current immunotherapy considerations for canine lymphoma will be summarized. The session will conclude by highlighting data (mechanism, lymphocyte depletion, pharmacokinetics, and safety) for a new anti-CD20 mAb being investigated for treatment of canine B-cell lymphoma.

Learner Outcomes: 1. Acquire a better understanding of the history and trajectory of immunotherapeutics for human and canine lymphoma. 2. Discuss the impact immunotherapeutics have had on treatment outcomes in human lymphoma. 3. Review the various immunotherapeutics previously investigated/used for canine lymphoma and their challenges. 4. Introduce initial data regarding a new anti-CD20 mAb being investigated for treatment of canine B-cell lymphoma and the role it might play in the future.