Ibritumomab
Zevalin® is used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphomaA cancer arising in the lymphatic system. The white blood cells affected are part of the body's immune system. The lymphatic system is a large network of vessels that carry fluid and cells of the immune system around the body. Lymph nodes are regional collection centers in the lymphatic system. See also, 'lymphatic system'., including those that are unresponsive to rituximab alone. Zevalin® is given as a part of a regimen that takes 7 to 9 days to complete. On day 1 a low dose of rituximab (Rituxan®) is given. Within 4 hours of this infusion the first dose of Zevalin® is given. This dosage includes the radioactiveSome elements (atoms) are not stable. The breakdown of these elements leads to the release of energy that is called radiation. The form of the energy (radiation) may differ between different unstable elements. Radiation from the breakdown of radioactive elements is damaging to cells and their genes. Cancer cells do not respond in a normal fashion to DNA damage and may be sensitive to killing by the radiation emitted from radioactive elements. element Indium-111. The location of this isotope in the body is visualized with imaging tests. These imaging tests are performed 2 to 3 times and by day 6 provide information about where in the body the radioactive antibodiesAntibodies are proteins produced by a type of white blood cell (B cells or B lymphocytes). Antibodies are able to stick very tightly to specific targets. Antibodies are currently being used as anti-cancer drugs (i.e. Herceptin). are collecting. If the distribution of these antibodies is normal, a second, lower-dose infusion of rituximab is given on day 8-7 and within 4 hours of this infusion a second infusion of Zevalin® is given. This dose of Zevalin® includes a different radioactive isotope, Yttrium-90, that is capable of killing targeted cells. The rituximab infusion used in this regimen helps increase the specificity of Zevalin® binding to target cells.1, 2
Ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin®) is a monoclonalDerived from a single source. In the context of cancer, the term is used in two ways: 1) to refer to the fact that tumors arise from a single damaged cell and 2) to describe the antibodies used in the treatment of cancer. antibodyAntibody molecules tightly bind to their targets (usually proteins) with great specificity. Antibody binding alerts the immune system to target the bound molecule for destruction. Specific antibodies can be made in the laboratory. coupled with a chemical that can bind and carry radioactiveSome elements (atoms) are not stable. The breakdown of these elements leads to the release of energy that is called radiation. The form of the energy (radiation) may differ between different unstable elements. Radiation from the breakdown of radioactive elements is damaging to cells and their genes. Cancer cells do not respond in a normal fashion to DNA damage and may be sensitive to killing by the radiation emitted from radioactive elements. elements. The antibody portion of the drug is directed against the CD20 antigenAny substance capable of being recognized by the immune system. Recognition of such a substance leads to the generation of an immune response.. The CD20 proteinOne of the four basic types of biomolecule. Proteins are polymers made up of strings of amino acids. Proteins serve many functions in organisms including transport of molecules, structure, cell adhesion and as signaling molecules such as hormones. Many transcription factors, including p53 and Rb are proteins. is present on the majority of mature B-cells, normal and cancerous, but not on B-cells in the bone marrow. The antibody is able to deliver the radioactive portion directly to target cancer cells, where the radiationIn cancer biology: A cancer treatment in which high energy beams are used to kill cancer cells. Radiation can also cause genetic damage that can lead to cancer. As an example, skin cancer is believed to be greatly increased by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. kills the target cell and nearby cancer cells, while blocking cell activation and cell cycle progression.1
The Indium-111-fused antibodyAntibody molecules tightly bind to their targets (usually proteins) with great specificity. Antibody binding alerts the immune system to target the bound molecule for destruction. Specific antibodies can be made in the laboratory. supplies very small amounts of radiationIn cancer biology: A cancer treatment in which high energy beams are used to kill cancer cells. Radiation can also cause genetic damage that can lead to cancer. As an example, skin cancer is believed to be greatly increased by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun., therefore no special precautions are necessary after this infusion. However, the Yttrium-90-fused antibody could result in other people being exposed to radiation if these precautions are not followed until 1 week after treatment is finished: a condom should be used during sexual intercourse, refrain from deep kissing, avoid transfer of other body fluids (urine, saliva, blood and stool), wash hands after using the bathroom, it is recommended that contraception be used for up to 12 months after, treatment is finished. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, dizziness, loss of appetite, joint pain, nervousness, bruising. Blood cell counts become low in most cases, which may alter the body's ability to fight infections, decrease blood clotting, and cause weakness and fatigue. It is important that these counts be monitored and that no other medications that alter blood clotting be taken. Though the dosage of rituximab is lower in the Zevalin® regimen than when given alone there is still a chance of experiencing adverse effects associated with this drug. 1
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