Novel Insights into Monoclonal Antibodies in Disease

Dear Colleagues,

Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized the treatment landscape of hematological diseases. Their history dates back to the 1980s, when the first monoclonal antibody, rituximab, was developed. Rituximab targets the CD20 antigen found on B cells and has been instrumental in the treatment of various hematological malignancies, particularly non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Its approval by the FDA in 1997 marked a significant milestone in the field of cancer immunotherapy.

Following rituximab, a plethora of monoclonal antibodies have been developed targeting different antigens and pathways implicated in hematological diseases. Diseases such as T-cell lymphomas and multiple myeloma have improved outcomes with the wide use of newer generations of monoclonal antibodies. These advancements have greatly diversified treatment options for hematological diseases, offering improved efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Emerging research has shed light on the potential of combining monoclonal antibodies with other treatment modalities such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy and small-molecule inhibitors to enhance efficacy and overcome resistance mechanisms. Moreover, the advent of antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) has expanded the therapeutic arsenal by enabling targeted delivery of cytotoxic agents specifically to malignant cells, minimizing off-target effects. Additionally, recent discoveries in immunogenetics and tumor microenvironment biology have elucidated new antigenic targets and mechanisms of immune evasion, paving the way for the development of next-generation monoclonal antibodies with enhanced specificity and potency. These insights underscore the dynamic landscape of monoclonal antibody research in hematological diseases, providing hope for improved outcomes and a better quality of life for patients.

This Special Issue will provide new insights into monoclonal antibodies in hematological diseases. The Special Issue is supervised by Dr. Eleni Gavriilaki and assisted by our Topical Advisory Panel Member Dr. Christos Varelas (from G. Papanicolaou Hospital).

More specifically, the aim is to collect original studies and comprehensive reviews on this research topic focused on the molecular level. Topics may include (but are not limited to) the study of novel monoclonal antibodies in the following areas:

• Lymphomas;
• Leukemias;
• Multiple myeloma;
• Complementopathies;
• Hemoglobinopathies.

Dr. Eleni Gavriilaki
Guest Editor

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• monoclonal antibodies
• antibody–drug conjugates
• lymphomas
• leukemias
• multiple myeloma
• complementopathies
• hemoglobinopathies