Comparative efficacy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment with or without rituximab

Abstract

Background. Monoclonal antibodies are modern drugs for the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The objective is a comparative study of the monoclonal antibody rituximab efficacy when added to cyclophosphamide + fludarabine (RFC versus FC regimen) in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Materials and methods. A retrospective study was conducted in Clinical Medical Unit No. 1 of Perm. In total, the response to treatment was analyzed in 22patients (11 patients in each group (FC and RFC therapy)). Results. Adding rituximab to the FC treatment regimen reduced the number of lymphocytes below 4 х 10 9/L after the 1st course, while maintaining the neutrophil level above 1.5 х 109/L, the absence of anemia (hemoglobin level >130 g/L) and thrombocytopenia (platelet count > 100 х 109/L). An additional assessment of creatinine and uric acid levels showed the absence of tumor lysis syndrome during RFC therapy. Conclusion. The addition of rituximab (RFC therapy) to cyclophosphamide + fludarabine (FC therapy) provides a more rapid therapy response without adverse toxic effects such as impact on bone marrow functional activity and tumor lysis syndrome.