Rituximab: a new therapeutic monoclonal antibody for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Abstract

Rituximab is an effective single agent available for short-course outpatient treatment in low-grade NHL, particularly with follicular histology (IWF B-D), that offers a relatively nontoxic alternative to chemotherapy regimens currently available. Early indications are that retreatment is effective with similar levels of predictable adverse events to the initial course of therapy. Further development is awaited of regimens that combine rituximab with chemotherapeutic agents to enhance treatment efficacy without overlapping side effects in low-grade NHL as well as use in other CD20+ malignancies.