Radioimmunotherapy of non-Hodgkin lymphomas

Blood. 2003 Jan 15;101(2):391-8. doi: 10.1182/blood-2002-06-1793. Epub 2002 Sep 19.

Abstract

Enthusiasm for the use of monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab, has markedly changed the approach to patients with non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs). Nevertheless, more effective therapies are needed. Radioimmunotherapy as a form of targeted radiation therapy may add significantly to our therapeutic options. Yttrium Y 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan, recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and iodine I 131 tositumomab have demonstrated a high level of activity in patients whose NHL has failed to respond to chemotherapy and rituximab. Toxicities have primarily included prolonged myelosuppression, with a potential risk of treatment-associated myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myelogenous leukemia. Ongoing clinical trials are attempting to better characterize the role of these promising agents.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / toxicity
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / radiotherapy*
  • Radioimmunotherapy* / adverse effects
  • Radioimmunotherapy* / methods
  • Salvage Therapy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • ibritumomab tiuxetan
  • tositumomab I-131