Radioimmunotherapy of B-cell lymphoma

Abstract

The aim of radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is to use monoclonal antibody to target radiation to lymphoma tissue while minimizing toxicity to normal cells. 90Y is advantageous, because of its high β energy and long path length. The US trials of 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan and 131I-tositumomab showed definitive efficacy in indolent B-NHL with acceptable toxicities. In Japan, after confirming the feasibility, we conducted a phase II study of 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, which revealed high efficacy with acceptable toxicities in relapsed indolent B-NHL. In addition, untreated indolent B-NHL, aggressive B-NHL, high-dose RIT and consolidation after chemotherapy are promising targets of RIT.