Studies Hone Rituximab-based Therapy in Follicular Lymphoma

A single four-dose rituximab(Drug information on rituximab) (Rituxan) regimen yielded a 91% survival rate as first-line treatment for low-tumor-burden follicular lymphoma. Even more impressive is that the results held firm at seven years of follow-up. French researchers offer details on their study of rituximab induction immunotherapy in follicular lymphoma, including how the protocol did in patients with the protein positive bcl2-JH rearrangement, which can serve as a marker for poor prognosis. 

RESULT: Rituximab induction immunotherapy for first-line low-tumor-burden follicular lymphoma: survival analyses with 7-year follow-up
Annals of Oncology | Jul 20, 2012 (Free abstract. Full text $32)




The single nucleotide polymorphisms FCGR3A and FCGR2A have shown some influence on treatment response in follicular lymphoma patients who receive single-agent rituximab. The PRIMA trial evaluated the prognostic role of FCGR3A and FCGR2A in patients who are given rituximab and chemotherapy, as well as rituximab maintenance therapy. The results strongly indicate that these polymorphisms don't have as much impact on response rates and outcomes as previously thought.

RESULT: Clinical outcome of follicular lymphoma patients receiving chemo-immunotherapy in the PRIMA study is not affected by FCGR3A and FCGR2A polymorphism
Blood | Aug 10, 2012 (Free abstract. Full text $35)