Immunotherapy: a novel treatment for Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an overview of the principles of immunology, including immunotherapy, and information about monoclonal antibody therapy in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.


METHODS
Published literature.


CONCLUSIONS
Immunotherapy is a form of disease treatment that enhances the immune system with the use of biologic agents. One such agent is the monoclonal antibody, which can be combined with a radioisotope (e.g., iodine-131 or yttrium-90) or chemotherapeutic drug to deliver treatment directly to tumor cells with less toxicity to normal cells.


CONCLUSIONS
As the field of monoclonal antibody therapy continues to grow, nurses will play an important role in treatment and patient education. Nurses need to become knowledgeable in this area of cancer treatment and gain a better understanding of basic principles involved in immunotherapy.
Hohenstein
Maribeth
M
Department of Oncology/Hematology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lied Transplant Center, 668 S 41st St, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000451:nursing*; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000276:immunology / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal