UCLA

Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has revolutionized the treatment for lymphoma, particularly B- cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma; the therapeutic efficacy, however, is limited by its temporary activity, non-ideal biodistribution, and heterogeneity of the cancer cells. In this dissertation research, two auxiliary systems were designed to improve the therapeutic efficacy of rituximab. The first system involves a novel combination treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma using rituximab and a whole cell-based therapeutic cancer vaccine, which effectively elicited a specific immune response, established immune memory, offered both immediate tumor killing and sustained protection from relapse of cancer. The second system involves a design of novel protein delivery systems that target lymph nodes, which help eliminate circulating cancer cells within the lymph nodes, block metastatic pathways, and reduce cancer metastasis and relapse. The strategies described in this dissertation research can be extended to other monoclonal antibody therapeutics and cancer therapies beyond non-Hodgkin lymphoma therapeutics, providing a platform towards more effective cancer therapy.