The rates for complete remission were 76 percent and 60 percent, respectively. In light of the strong results, Fyfe said Genentech and marketing partner IDEC Pharmaceuticals Inc. have suspended another lymphoma trial, although they are continuing a trial monitoring safety of the combination therapy. Monoclonal antibodies like Rituxan are derived from a single clone of antibody-producing cells and bind only to one antigen. Rituxan binds specifically to the CD20 antigen, a molecule present on the surface of B cells, a type of white blood cell. Once bound to the B cells, Rituxan, working with the body's immune system, causes the cancerous cells to destruct.
Doctors can prescribe any approved medicine as they wish, so the practice is legal.
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