The study looked at nearly 48,000 cases of women who had breast cancer surgery between 1984 and 1989. It appears to have far fewer side-effects than the conventional treatment. However, tests have shown that it can effectively, and with few side-effects, shrink these types of tumors and can put the cancer into complete remission in some cases. Rituxan appears to have only moderate side-effects compared to the cancer's conventional treatments of high dose chemotherapy and radiation, which can cause severe side effects. Rituxan can reduce a patient's white blood cell count which can lead to infections.
Most patients also get some flulike symptoms.
IDEC Pharmaceuticals and Genentech make Rituxan. Gemzar, when used in combination with cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug, significantly improved survival times over cisplatin alone. The main side effects of the combination are a suppression in blood cell counts, nausea and vomiting. Note to our readers We have included when possible a medical reference where more detailed information on the options presented can be obtained. Information contained in ICA's Cancer Breakthroughs newsletter is not medical advice and should not be used as such.