Antibodies are proteins normally made by the immune system to help fight infections. Man-made versions, called monoclonal antibodies, can be designed to attack a specific target, such as a substance on the surface of lymphocytes (the cells in which lymphomas start).
Several monoclonal antibodies are now being used to treat lymphoma. In some cases they may be used to help treat lymphoma of the eye.
Rituximab (Rituxan®) is an antibody that attaches to a substance called CD20 that is found on the surface of many lymphoma cells. This attachment seems to make the lymphoma cell die. Rituximab may be given by intravenous (IV) infusion or injected directly into the eye. The treatments can be given in the doctor's office or clinic. Common side effects are usually mild but may include chills, fever, nausea, rashes, fatigue, and headaches. Even if these symptoms occur during the first rituximab infusion, it is very unusual for them to recur with later doses. Rituximab is often combined with chemotherapy.
Newer forms of monoclonal antibodies, such as ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin®) and tositumomab (Bexxar®), are similar to rituximab but have radioactive molecules attached to them, which may help them work better. Because of the radiation, these drugs are somewhat harder for doctors to give than rituximab. Another limitation is that they cannot be used along with chemo because they also lower blood counts. At this time they are generally used if chemo and/or rituximab are no longer working.
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