Monoclonal antibodies conjugated with radioisotopes for the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the use of monoclonal antibodies labeled with iodine-131 tositumomab and yttrium-90 ibritumomab-tiuxetan as treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.


METHODS
Literature review of trials of radioimmunotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies recognize and react with specific antigens to provide targeted therapy to tumor cells, particularly hematopoietic tumor cells. This therapy delivers greater amounts of radiation to malignant cells than normal cells and spares critical organs that do not express the antigen. Strict safety and patient precautions must be in place with the use of radiotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
As the use of radiommunotherapy in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma grows, the role of nursing in the care of these patients will also grow. Nurses will play an important part in patient and family education, as well as staff preparation.
Bush
Sherri
S
Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, 825 Eastlake Ave East, G6800, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000451:nursing / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D008657:Metabolic Clearance Rate; D016499:Radioimmunotherapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; C119496:tositumomab I-131