Iodine 131 tositumomab in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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.
Smith
Stephen
S
Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Hematology/Oncology, Taussig Cancer Center, 9500 Euclid Avenue R35, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. smiths11@ccf.org
Sweetenham
John W
JW
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000276:immunology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016499:Radioimmunotherapy
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; C119496:tositumomab I-131