Authors' objectives: This report aims to summarise the available evidence on the use of Rituxan(R) (rituximab) in the treatment of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.

Authors' recommendations: Rituxan(R), a solution of the monoclonal antibody rituximab, was approved by Health Canada in March 2000 for the treatment of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL). This follows previous approval in the US by the FDA. Rituxan(R) selectively depletes normal and malignant CD20+ pre-B and mature B cells. It has been used to treat patients with relapsed or refractory NHL. Rituxan is administered by a series of four infusions over a period of 22 days. In a series of 166 patients with relapsed or refractory disease, who had had a median of three prior courses of chemotherapy, overall response rate was 48% when Rituxan(R) was used as monotherapy: Six percent had complete response (no evidence of disease for at least 28 days, all lymph nodes shrinking to <1x1 cm ) and 42% partial response (>50% decrease in tumor diameter, no evidence of progressive disease for at least 28 days). Duration of response was 11.6 months (1.9 - 32.9). 20 responders remained in remission after 20.9 to 32.9 months. Some patients have infusion-related reactions; deaths within 24 hours of infusion have been reported at a rate of approximately 0.04 - 0.07% A Phase III randomized, open-label clinical study began in January 2000 to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Rituxan(R) plus CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) versus CHOP alone in previously untreated CD20-positive intermediate- or high-grade NHL patients.

Authors' methods: Overview

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2000

URL for published report: https://www.ihe.ca/advanced-search?type=1020

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Canada

Organisation Name: Institute of Health Economics

Contact Address: 1200, 10405 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T5J 3N4. Tel: +1 780 448 4881; Fax: +1 780 448 0018;

Contact Name: djuzwishin@ihe.ca

Contact Email: djuzwishin@ihe.ca

Copyright: Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR)