European Phase II Study of Rituximab (Chimeric Anti-CD20 Monoclonal Antibody) for Patients With Newly Diagnosed Mantle-Cell Lymphoma and Previously Treated Mantle-Cell Lymphoma, Immunocytoma, and Small B-Cell Lymphocytic Lymphoma

Abstract

Single-agent rituximab has moderate activity in MCL and IMC but only limited activity in SLL. The duration of response in MCL was similar to that previously reported in follicular lymphoma. Its use in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy to increase the CR rate is warranted in MCL and IMC.

Rituximab therapy in malignant lymphoma

“…In a European study in relapsing patients, the efficacy was low, with only a 10% RR (Foran et al, 2000). In untreated patients, in contrast, found a 51% RR after four injections, with only 4% CR, and a median PFS of 18 and 6 months Hainsworth et al (2003).…”

Diagnosis and Management of Waldenström Macroglobulinemia: Mayo Stratification of Macroglobulinemia and Risk-Adapted Therapy (mSMART) Guidelines

“…[38][39][40] In patients with both treatment-naïve and previously treated Waldenström macroglobulinemia, rituximab has been associated with response rates ranging from 29% to 65%. [40][41][42][43][44] Over time, it has become clear that the best response to rituximab may not be seen for many months after treatment. 43 This may result in an underestimation of the activity of rituximab considering that the response end points in most clinical trials are at earlier time points.…”

Prolonged follow‐up after initial therapy with 2‐chlorodeoxyadenosine in patients with indolent non‐Hodgkin lymphoma

“…In addition, further exploration is warranted of 2-CdA in patients with SLL, the nodal variant of CLL in which biologic therapies like rituximab have less single-agent activity. 46,48 The proven efficacy of fludarabine and rituximab combinations in CLL 49,50 further justify additional combination trials of 2-CdA and rituximab in SLL. Whereas the CALGB Lymphoma Group has elected to pursue biologic therapies alone and in combination regimens for patients with previously untreated or recurrent, indolent NHL, the pursuit of rituximab-and 2-CdA-based combinations in patients with low-grade NHL is under evaluation by at least 1 European group.…”