Phase I Study of Ofatumumab, a Human Anti-CD20 Antibody, in Japanese Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma

OBJECTIVES: Ofatumumab is a human IgG1κ monoclonal antibody that targets a membrane proximal epitope encompassing the small and large loops of CD20. This Phase I study evaluated the safety, tolerability, efficacy and pharmacokinetics of ofatumumab monotherapy in Japanese patients with relapsed/refractory B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma. METHODS: Ofatumumab was administered intravenously weekly for a total of eight doses (dose escalation: 500 and 1000 mg). Six patients (two chronic lymphocytic leukemia and four small lymphocytic lymphoma) were enrolled into two dose cohorts (500 mg, three patients; 1000 mg, three patients). All six patients received 300 mg ofatumumab at the first infusion and either 500 or 1000 mg at seven subsequent weekly infusions. RESULTS: No dose-limiting toxicities or serious adverse events were observed. Grade 3–4 adverse events observed were grade 3 lymphocytopenia (n = 1) and neutropenia (n = 1). Grade 1–2 infusion-related adverse events leading to temporary interruption of ofatumumab infusion were observed in all six patients on the first infusion day, and all patients completed the planned eight infusions. The overall response rate was 50% (3/6). CONCLUSIONS: Ofatumumab was well tolerated at doses up to 1000 mg and showed preliminary evidence of activity in relapsed or refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, warranting further investigations. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00742144).