Leukemia & lymphoma
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Leukemia & lymphoma · May 2007
ReviewImmunomodulatory drugs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: a new treatment paradigm.
Immunomodulating drugs belong to a new class of therapeutic agents that have immunomodulatory, antiangiogenic and antiproliferative effects. Although the basis of anti-tumour activity of immunomodulating agents are not clear, results of clinical trials have demonstrated impressive activity in certain hemalogical disorders such as multiple myeloma (MM) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). ⋯ Lenalidomide, a thalidomide analogue, is showing anti-tumour activity with durable response in refractory CLL. These preliminary results represent the basis for investigating the potential of lenalidomide in association with established chemotherapy regimens or as maintenance therapy.
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Leukemia & lymphoma · May 2007
Long-term treatment with rituximab is feasible in selected patients with B-CLL: response-adjusted low-dose maintenance treatment with rituximab in patients with relapsed B-CLL, who achieved a partial or minimal response to prior rituximab therapy.
The feasibility and efficacy of flexible, response-adjusted rituximab maintenance therapy in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) was investigated in 12 patients with an at least minor response to four weekly cycles of 375 mg/m(2) of rituximab induction therapy. Rituximab maintenance therapy consisted of infusions of 100 mg rituximab every 4 weeks. ⋯ Maintenance therapy was successfully conducted for > or =6 months in seven cases; three of these individuals have been on maintenance therapy for >1 year to 3.5 years so far. Long-term toxicity, as determined based on hematological and immunological parameters, was mild.