Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 24, 2026
08:53
In Vivo Immunofluorescence Localization for Assessment of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Antibody Biodistribution in Cancer Research
Published on: September 16, 2019
[Is lymphoma curable with antibody therapy?]
Sirpa Leppä1, Heidi Nyman, Marja-Liisa Karjalainen-Lindsberg
1HUS, Syöpätautien klinikka, PL 180, 00029 HUS.
Duodecim; Laaketieteellinen Aikakauskirja
|April 4, 2009
Summary
Rituximab, an antibody targeting CD20 B cells, significantly improves outcomes for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Combining it with chemotherapy offers extended survival for follicular and diffuse large B cell lymphomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Hematology
Context:
- Significant advancements in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) diagnostics and therapies over recent decades.
- Identification of key predictors and development of novel biological treatments for NHL.
- Growing importance of targeted therapies in managing hematological malignancies.
Purpose:
- To highlight the clinical significance of rituximab in treating non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.
- To review the efficacy of rituximab alone and in combination with cytotoxic agents.
- To discuss the impact of these therapies on patient response and survival.
Summary:
- Rituximab, an antibody targeting the CD20 B cell antigen, demonstrates high clinical importance in NHL treatment.
- Monotherapy with rituximab achieves durable responses in a subset of follicular lymphomas, avoiding cytotoxic agent side effects.
- Combination therapy of rituximab with cytotoxic agents improves both progression-free and overall survival in follicular and diffuse large B cell lymphomas.
Impact:
- Rituximab offers a less toxic treatment option for some NHL patients.
- Combined rituximab and chemotherapy regimens enhance long-term disease control and survival.
- These findings support the integration of rituximab into standard treatment protocols for specific NHL subtypes.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:31Hybridoma Technology
Hybridoma technology is used for the large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies bind to only a single antigenic determinant or epitope. Such antibodies are used in research, diagnostics, and disease therapy. The hybridoma technology established in 1975 by Georges Köhler and Cesar Milstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1984 for revolutionizing research and therapy.
Hybridoma Selection
Commonly used fusion techniques — electroporation, polyethylene glycol...
Hybridoma Selection
Commonly used fusion techniques — electroporation, polyethylene glycol...
01:26Antibody Actions
Antibodies, or immunoglobulins, are critical players in the immune system's arsenal against invading pathogens. Produced by B cells and plasma cells, their primary role is to detect and bind to specific antigens, molecules found on the surface of pathogens like bacteria or viruses. Beyond antigen recognition, antibodies perform several vital functions that contribute to immune defense.
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
Neutralization
Antibodies can bind to pathogens, preventing them from infecting host cells. This process...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...