Monoclonal antibodyFDA-approvedFirst-line
Rituximab
How it works
Binds to the CD20 protein on cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system.
Cancer types
Leukemia— CD20-positive
Efficacy
Studies show that rituximab can induce complete remission in around 70% of CD20-positive patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Side effects
Mild
Most people tolerate this treatment well. Side effects are generally manageable and do not require stopping treatment.
Evidence from research
| Study | Cancer type | Stage | Efficacy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparing Treatments for Hairy Cell Leukemia | Leukemia | phase-2 | — | Source → |
| Treating Older Adults with Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia | Leukemia | phase-3 | — | Source → |
| Quality of Life in Hematology Patients Treated with Rituximab | Leukemia | observational | — | Source → |
| New Study Compares Pirtobrutinib to Standard Treatment for CLL/SLL | Leukemia | phase-3 | The 24-month PFS rate was 93.4% with pirtobrutinib and 70.7% with bendamustine plus rituximab. | Source → |
This information is provided for general education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.