The following information is obtained from various newswires, published medical journal articles, and medical conference presentations. Rituxan is a sort of biologically engineered bloodhound that tracks down the immune system cancer to kill it. Rituxan significantly shrinks tumors with fewer side effects than traditional cancer therapy. Unlike many cancer treatments, Rituxan therapy does not require hospitalization.
Patients get four infusions one week apart.
Six percent of patients had complete remissions. Half of all successful patients remained stable for more than 11 months. All of these patients had tried and failed at least one other form of chemotherapy. Most patients suffer temporary and mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills, one to two hours after the first infusion, as their body learns to recognize the new antibody. Mechanism of Action Rituxan, known chemically as rituximab, becomes the first monoclonal antibody sold in this country to treat cancer.