Medical Health Encyclopedia

Cytotoxic Deoxyguanosine Analogue Prodrugs. Nelarabine (Arranon) is approved for treating T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL). T-LBL is a rare form of lymphoma that accounts for less than 2% of all cases of NHL.

Antisense Oligonucleotide. Oblimersen (G3139) is called an antisense oligonucleotide. It blocks BCL-2, a protein that is genetically overexpressed in some lymphomas and prevents apoptosis (a natural process by which all cells, including cancer cells, self-destruct). To date, studies suggest it may have some activity against mantle-cell lymphoma.

Interleukin 12 (IL-12). IL-12 is a potent immune factor called a cytokine that enhances the body's ability to fight foreign invaders. Experts are investigating whether it will be useful in certain settings--such as in combination with rituximab or after stem cell transplantation.

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Proteasome Inhibitors. Bortezomib (Velcade) is a proteasome inhibitor that has been approved for multiple myeloma and is being investigated for NHL. Initial studies are finding some benefits for patients with low-grade and mantle-cell lymphomas.

Cyclin-Dependent Kinase Inhibitors. Flavopiridol, a drug known as a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, is showing some effect in patients with mantle-cell lymphoma. This drug is designed to block enzymes that regulate cell cycles and so help block their growth.

Antibiotics for MALT. Antibiotics may cure or put into complete remission about half of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) cases that are caused by H. pylori infection. Those most likely to respond positively to antibiotics are those in early stages.