[Rituximab in the treatment of indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma]

Indolent Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) are a group of slowly progressive immune system malignancies that cannot be cured with conventional treatment. Rituximab is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody that has recently become a part of the standard treatment of B-cell lymphoid malignancies. Here we present our experience in 25 patients with indolent NHL treated with rituximab with or without chemotherapy. Rituximab was administered at 3-4 week intervals in the standard dose of 375 mg/m2. 88% of the patients responded, 16 achieved a complete and 6 partial remission. Estimated 2-year actuarial survival is 63%. Response and survival rates were significantly better in patients with favorable prognosis (lower IPI score). Adverse effects related to rituximab occurred in 2 patients and were mild. Our results are completely comparable to previously reported studies and show that rituximab is effective and safe for the treatment of indolent B-cell NHL.