Iodine 131 tositumomab in the treatment of non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma. (June 2007)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smith, Stephen; Sweetenham, John W
• Is Part Of: Future oncology. Volume 3:Number 3(2007)
• Page Start: 255
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2007-06
• Subjects: Bexxar®® -- I131 tositumomab -- indolent NHL -- radioimmunoconjugate; Oncology -- Periodicals; 616.99405
• DOI: 10.2217/14796694.3.3.255
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1479-6694

Abstract

Iodine 131 (I131) tositumomab is composed of murine anti-CD20 antibody linked to the radioisotope I131. I131 tositumomab exploits the specificity of monoclonal antibody therapy and the radiosensitivity of non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma to exact a combined antitumor effect. It is currently approved in the USA for treatment of relapsed or refractory low-grade (and transformed) non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma. High response rates in this setting, with some patients achieving a remission of longer duration than that of their prior treatment, provided the basis for approval of the drug. Studies using I131 tositumomab as initial treatment for low-grade non-Hodgkin''s lymphoma (with or without chemotherapy), and in conditioning regimens for autologous transplantation, have yielded promising results. Randomized, comparative trials are needed to define its optimal clinical use.