Combined use of anti-cytokine antibodies or antagonists and anti-CD20 for treatment of B cell lymphoma

Abstract

The present invention discloses combined therapies for treating hematologic malignancies, including B cell lymphomas and leukemias or solid non-hematologic tumors, comprising administration of anti-cytokine antibodies or antagonists to inhibit the activity of cytokines which play a role in perpetuating the activation of B cells. The administration of such antibodies and antagonists, particularly anti-IL10 antibodies and antagonists, is particularly useful for avoiding or decreasing the resistance of hematologic malignant cells or solid tumor cells to chemotherapeutic agents and anti-CD20 or anti-CD22 antibodies. The invention also provides combination therapies for solid tumors having B cell involvement comprising the administration of an anti-cytokine antibody and a B cell depleting antibody such as RITUXAN®.

1 . A method of avoiding, decreasing or overcoming the resistance of hematologic malignant cells or solid non-hematologic tumor cells to at least one chemotherapeutic agent, comprising administering an anti-cytokine antibody or fragment thereof or cytokine antagonist to a patient diagnosed with a hematologic malignancy or a solid, non-hematologic tumor prior, concurrent or after administration of at least one chemotherapeutic agent.  
     
     
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