Seminars in oncology
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The CD20 antigen is an attractive target for antibody-directed therapy due to its stable, high-level surface expression on normal and malignant B cells. Rituximab (Rituxan; IDEC Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, and Genentech, Inc, San Francisco, CA) is an anti-CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody that has shown single-agent activity in phase I and II clinical trials in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This antibody has a long serum half-life and low immunogenicity. ⋯ The mechanism of action likely includes both immune-mediated effects and direct effects. The generally mild toxicity profile and excellent single-agent activity provide the rationale for use with or following chemotherapy. Additional studies evaluating these and other combinations are under way.
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Seminars in oncology · Oct 1999
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialRituximab in indolent lymphoma: the single-agent pivotal trial.
Rituximab (Rituxan; IDEC Pharmaceuticals, San Diego, CA, and Genentech, Inc, San Francisco, CA) is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that targets mature B cells and most B-cell malignancies. Rituximab was the first monoclonal antibody to be approved for therapeutic use for any malignancy. ⋯ The overall results of the trial have been previously reported; additional aspects of the trial (eg, pharmacokinetics) have been reported separately as well. The current report includes an update, expansion, and synthesis of data from the single-agent pivotal trial of rituximab.
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Research in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has undergone a resurgence of interest in the last decade. While it is obvious that most patients with CLL have typical mature B cells, a number of variants such as splenic lymphoma villous lymphocytes, mantle cell leukemia, and prolymphocytic leukemia need to be considered in the differential diagnosis. This can be established by immunophenotype studies and morphology. ⋯ Campath-1H is emerging as another major antibody with marked effect against disease, particularly in the blood and bone marrow. Autologous, allogeneic, and mini-transplant are also being explored extensively. The prognosis for patients with CLL is changing as these new treatments become available.