The molecule CD32b is thought to be present on many B-cells including the malignant B-cells in some types of lymphoma and leukaemia. The study drug, BI-1206, is an anti-CD32b monoclonal antibody which attaches to CD32b on the surface of B-cells and is thought to act by recruiting host immune cells toward the tumour leading to cancer cell death as well as enhancing the anti-cancer effect of other anti-CD20 antibodies such as rituximab by stopping them being absorbed by cells.~The study is a first in man clinical trial of the drug called BI-1206 on its own and then also in combination with an anti-CD20 antibody (such as rituximab) which is commonly used to treat lymphoma and some types of leukaemia.~The four main aims of this trial are to find out:~The maximum dose of BI-1206 that can be given safely to patients (to a maximum dose of 800mg) on it's own and in combination with an anti-CD20 antibody, rituximab.~More about the potential side effects of BI-1206 and how they can be managed.~What happens to BI-1206 inside the body.~The effect of BI-1206 treatment (with or without rituximab) on tumour size and survival.~Approximately 81 patients with relapsed or refractory CD32b positive B-cell lymphoma or leukaemia were planned for the trial. Approximately 34 patients to establish the maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) in Part A and a further 40 to 50 patients recruited to two expansion cohorts; one of BI-1206 alone and one of BI-1206 plus rituximab (Part B). The final number depending on the number of dose escalations required to reach the MTD.
The purpose of this trial is to identify the tolerable dose of BI-1206 (both alone and in combination) for patients with B-cell lymphoma and leukaemia and further evaluate BI-1206 alone and in combination with an anti-CD20 antibody.