The emerging role for rituximab in the treatment of nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.
OBJECTIVE
Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) is a rare subset of Hodgkin lymphoma that is distinct from classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). The unique malignant 'popcorn' cells express the B-cell antigen CD20 and lack expression of the cHL markers CD15 and CD30. Traditionally, NLPHL has been included with cHL in clinical trials with excellent prognosis reported in several series. The reliable expression of CD20 has led to the evaluation of the chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab in several recent trials.


RESULTS
Three series have reported the efficacy of 4 weekly doses of rituximab in all stages of NLPHL, both in the treatment-naive and relapsed settings. Emerging data also suggest that longer courses of antibody therapy may improve the duration of response.


CONCLUSIONS
Rituximab appears to offer a nonchemotherapy-based effective treatment option, which is well tolerated. Ongoing studies are required to further define the optimal patient population who may benefit from rituximab and evaluate its role in maintenance as well as in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Maeda
Lauren S
LS
Department of Medicine (Oncology), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
Advani
Ranjana H
RH
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000276:immunology*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D000069283:Rituximab; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab