Prolonging Survival in DLBCL (an Aggressive Type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma)
RITUXAN® is indicated for the treatment of patients with previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with CHOP or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens.
RITUXAN® plus CHOP chemotherapy has been proven to significantly prolong survival in patients with DLBCL. It was proven to help many different kinds of people in 3 clinical trials with a total of 1854 patients, including people in different stages as well as younger patients (18 to 59 years of age) and older patients (60 years of age or older). One of the studies also showed:
- At 5 years after treatment, the survival rate was 26% higher with RITUXAN plus CHOP chemotherapy (58% were surviving compared to 46% with CHOP alone)
- And at 7 years after treatment, the survival rate was 47% higher with RITUXAN plus CHOP chemotherapy (53% were surviving compared to 36% with CHOP alone)
The most common side effects when RITUXAN was given with CHOP chemotherapy compared with CHOP alone were heart problems, fever, chills, and lung problems. Serious side effects that were more common in patients who received RITUXAN plus CHOP chemotherapy were decreased blood cell counts, lung problems, and viral infection. RITUXAN can cause serious side effects, some of which can be life-threatening, including progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and severe skin reactions. Be sure to read the Medication Guide and full Prescribing Information before each RITUXAN treatment.
Watch a discussion about RITUXAN with Oliver Press, MD
How RITUXAN is given
To treat DLBCL with RITUXAN plus CHOP chemotherapy, you may receive a RITUXAN infusion:
- On day 1 of the CHOP chemotherapy cycle
- For up to 8 infusions
“It’s just a whirlwind of information. So for people that are starting treatment, I say, try not to be too intimidated by all of these things.” —Jennifer, RITUXAN patient
This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor. Discuss with your doctor any questions you have about your medical condition or your treatment.
INDICATIONS and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
RITUXAN® is indicated for the treatment of patients with:
- Relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL as a single agent
- Previously untreated follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL in combination with CVP chemotherapy
- Non-progressing (including stable disease), low-grade, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL, as a single agent, after first-line CVP chemotherapy
- Previously untreated diffuse large B-cell, CD20-positive NHL in combination with CHOP or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens
Important Safety Information
RITUXAN® can cause serious side effects, some of which can be life-threatening, including: progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), infusion reactions, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), and severe skin reactions. Other serious and life-threatening side effects with RITUXAN include: hepatitis B virus reactivation, heart problems, infections, and stomach and bowel problems. Common side effects during RITUXAN infusions include: fever, headache, chills and shakes, nausea, itching, hives, cough, sneezing, and throat irritation or tightness.
Tell your doctor about any side effects that bother you or that do not go away. These are not all of the possible side effects with RITUXAN. Ask your doctor for more information.
Please read the Medication Guide in HTML or PDF versions and the full prescribing information for more information.
