Monoclonal antibodyFDA-approvedFirst-line

Rituximab

How it works

Targets and destroys B cells, a type of immune cell that can become cancerous in certain types of leukemia.

Cancer types

LeukemiaCD20-positive

Efficacy

In clinical trials, around 50% of patients achieved an objective response, with a median overall survival of approximately 2 years.

Side effects

Mild

Most people tolerate this treatment well. Side effects are generally manageable and do not require stopping treatment.

Evidence from research

StudyCancer typeStageEfficacy
Testing Zanubrutinib and Rituximab for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic LymphomaLeukemiaphase-2Source →
Evaluating Treatments for Relapsed and/or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia/Small Lymphocytic LymphomaLeukemiaphase-3Source →
Study of Venetoclax and Rituximab/Hyaluronidase Human in Relapsed/Refractory CLLLeukemiaphase-2Source →
Comparing Treatments for Hairy Cell LeukemiaLeukemiaphase-2Source →
Treating Older Adults with Untreated Chronic Lymphocytic LeukemiaLeukemiaphase-3Source →
Quality of Life in Hematology Patients Treated with RituximabLeukemiaobservationalSource →
New Study Compares Pirtobrutinib to Standard Treatment for CLL/SLLLeukemiaphase-3The 24-month PFS rate was 93.4% with pirtobrutinib and 70.7% with bendamustine plus rituximab.Source →
Long-term results of Hairy cell leukemia treatmentLeukemiaphase-2A complete response was achieved in 133 of 137 evaluable participants (97%), with 102 (77%) having measurable residual disease negativity.Source →
Rituximab with chemotherapy helps children with high-risk B-cell lymphomaLeukemiaphase-3Three-year event-free survival was 97.7% (95% confidence interval, 84.9-99.7) and overall survival was 100%.Source →

This information is provided for general education only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making treatment decisions.