[Treatment of B-cell lymphoma with a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody(rituximab)].

CD20 antigen is expressed on nearly all human B-cells and B-lymphoma cells. Rituximab is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody with mouse variable and human constant regions. The toxicities of rituximab are mainly infusion-related, non-hematological grade 1 or 2 episodes. Of the 11 eligible patients enrolled in the phase I study in Japan, 2 showed CR and 5 showed PR. 90 relapsed pts were enrolled in the subsequent phase II study and treated with rituximab at 375 mg/m2 x 4 weekly infusions. The overall response rates in relapsed indolent B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma were 61% (37/61) and 46% (6/13), respectively. Rituximab is a novel, effective anti-lymphoma agent with acceptable toxicities.