[Radioimmunotherapy of lymphomas and leukemias]

Radioimmunotherapy offers an exciting new therapeutic modalities for patients with recurrent hematologic malignancies or resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Clinical trials involving hematologic malignancies have produced more impressive results than these involving solid tumors. In recurrent non Hodgkin's lymphoma Seattle trials have demonstrated objective responses in 90% of patients, complete responses in 85% of patients, a progression free survival of 62%, and an overall survival of 93% with a median follow-up of 2 years. In recurrent acute myelogenous leukemia, or myelodysplasia treated with radiolabeled antibodies, total body irradiation, and high dose chemotherapy 67% of patients remain disease free with a median follow-up of 33 months.