Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
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Anecdotes are powerful tools that humans use to make decisions. Despite their power and influence, they are sometimes misused, and sometimes undervalued. ⋯ Anecdotal information should not be considered as a replacement for, but as a complement to formal research evidence. If evidence-based health care is to meet its potential, the important role of anecdotes must be acknowledged, studied and utilized.
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Multicenter Study Clinical Trial
Association of serum Rituximab (IDEC-C2B8) concentration and anti-tumor response in the treatment of recurrent low-grade or follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Monoclonal antibodies are being utilized for treatment of patients with low-grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as other cancers. Results from phase I and II clinical studies has shown that the chimeric monoclonal antibody Rituximab has minimal toxicity and significant therapeutic activity in low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. ⋯ We conclude that Rituximab is therapeutically effective against B-cell lymphoma. Pharmacokinetic data suggests that certain subsets of patients may possibly benefit from increased dosing and studies to address this are currently underway.