Brand Name: Rituxan®
Rituximab was the first monoclonal antibody cancer drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Rituximab targets CD20, which is a molecule on the surface of both normal and abnormal B-cells, including most cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. By targeting these cells, the immune system is triggered to kill lymphoma cells.
Rituximab is given intravenously. It can also be given by subcutaneous injection.
Treatment with rituximab can reduce skin lymphoma. Rituximab is usually effective but might not work in everyone. It is important to discuss with your physician whether this might be an appropriate therapy and what the expected results might be for your individual disease.
Rituximab is one of the most common drugs used in the treatment of B-cell lymphomas. With the first infusion, some patients have an infusion-related reaction.
The following is not an exhaustive list of the possible side effects. For a complete list of possible side effects, please see the manufacturer’s available information on the specific therapy.
Common side effects include infusion-related reactions, which might include fevers or chills. Over time, rituximab can reduce the normal amount of B-cells and cause something called hypogammaglobulinemia. You should talk with your physician in detail about expected side effects.