The treatment landscape of B-cell lymphomas is evolving with the advent of novel agents including immune and cellular therapies. Bispecific antibodies (bsAbs) are molecules that recognise two different antigens and are used to engage effector cells, such as T-cells, to kill malignant B-cells. Several bispecific antibodies have entered early phase clinical development since the approval of the CD19/CD3 bispecific antibody, blinatumomab, for relapsed/refractory acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Novel bsAbs include CD20/CD3 antibodies that are being investigated in both aggressive and indolent non-Hodgkin lymphoma with encouraging overall response rates including complete remissions. These results are seen even in heavily pre-treated patient populations such as those who have relapsed after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy. Potential toxicities include cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity and tumour flare, with a number of strategies existing to mitigate these risks. Here, we review the development of bsAbs, their mechanism of action and the different types of bsAbs and how they differ in structure. We will present the currently available data from clinical trials regarding response rates, progression free survival and outcomes across a range of non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes. Finally, we will discuss the key toxicities of bsAbs, their rates and management of these adverse events.
Background: Venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications appear common in hospitalised COVID‐19 patients, particularly among critically ill patients in intensive care units. However, there is significant heterogeneity in the reported use of thromboprophylaxis.Aims: The primary objective was to determine rates of symptomatic VTE in hospitalised COVID‐19 patients. Secondary objectives were to assess adherence to an institutional risk‐adapted thromboprophylaxis guideline, and rates of bleeding complications.Methods: A retrospective, single‐centre, cohort study was performed in consecutive hospitalised COVID‐19 patients over a 6‐month period (March to August 2020). Enoxaparin was used as thromboprophylaxis in all patients without a contraindication, with dose adjusted according to disease severity, weight and renal function.Results: Among 86 hospitalised COVID‐19 patients, no VTE were identified. Eighty‐one (94%) patients received anticoagulation, with 90% adherence to institutional thromboprophylaxis guidelines. Four bleeding events occurred, with one clinically relevant non‐major bleeding event and three minor bleeding events.Conclusion: Low rates of VTE were identified in hospitalised COVID‐19 patients using a risk‐adapted thromboprophylaxis protocol.