In a nutshell
This study examined the safety and effectiveness of rituximab (Rituxan) to treat relapsed or unresponsive chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in a real-world setting. Authors concluded that rituximab was safe and effective in these patients.
Some background
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia is a cancer of the immune system. It is often linked with abnormal genes. Treatment focuses on targeting certain proteins on the cancer cells. Rituximab is a drug which treats leukemia in this way. It can be used when other treatments begin to fail. It is important to research if rituximab is effective and in for patients who relapsed or did not respond to previous treatments, including rituximab.
Methods & findings
305 patients were included in this study. These patients had previously been treated with other chemotherapy drugs. They were also treated with rituximab and this treatment was planned for current relapse. Patients were followed up at 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months.
The overall response rate was 88% at the end of treatment. 37% of patients had a complete disappearance of cancer and 51% had tumor shrinkage. Response rates were similar across different chemotherapy drugs used along with rituximab. At 24 months, overall survival was 75%. The average time without the tumor growing or spreading was 19.22 months.
Treatment-related serious side-effects were reported in 13% of patients. The most common side effects included blood count abnormalities and infections.
The bottom line
The study concluded that rituximab was safe and effective in the treatment of relapsed or unresponsive CLL.
The fine print
The study was funded by Roche, a manufacturer of rituximab.
Published By :
Leukemia & lymphoma
Date :
Jan 09, 2019
