Rituximab, Monoclonal Antibody for Lymphoma

FOR decades, chemotherapy against lymphoma was conducted by CHOP (cyclophosphamide, hydroxidoxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone). In a further development of drugs created a more powerful way to eradicate the lymphoma. One is rituximab. 

In contrast to CHOP, rituximab is a drug produced by the monoclonal antibody technology. Technology makes rituximab were able to track and destroy cancer cells specifically. 

More than 85% of lymphomas derived from B-cells. Rituximab works by binding to a protein that is CD20 + were found in 95% of the surface of B cells (a type of lymphocyte cell) malignant. Furthermore, the body's natural defenses will be recruited to attack and kill B-cells. Once the malignant cells are destroyed, then will be replaced with normal B-cells. Thus, the body's defense system will be regenerated by normal B-cells.

Various studies have shown, results of combination therapy of rituximab and CHOP or what is often referred to as R-CHOP, far better than CHOP therapy alone. On that basis, rituximab was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the United States in 1997, received in various countries around the world. Unfortunately, the price is 10 times more expensive than the CHOP. It makes R-CHOP therapy can only be obtained by the upper class who have more financial capabilities. 

As an illustration, with R-CHOP cure rates can reach 70% with CHOP cure rates were around 40%. Better to choose CHOP than forcing yourself to choose the R-CHOP, but not completely, break up half way through being unable to bear the cost. 

In addition to chemotherapy, lymphoma treatment is also done with radiation therapy and bone marrow transplant. Bone marrow transplant is usually a last alternative after treatment by other means can not be done.