Lymphoma Treatment: Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, and Anti-CD20 Antibodies for Complete Remission

Dear colleagues, the treatment of lymphoma has evolved significantly over the past decades, integrating approaches such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and the use of monoclonal antibodies. These advancements have improved rates of complete remission and have offered new hopes for patients. In this article, we will explore how these modalities combine to effectively treat different types of lymphoma.

Diving Deeper into Lymphoma Treatment

Chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in the treatment of lymphoma. Regimens such as ABVD and CHOP have proven effective in managing Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, respectively. The addition of rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, to the CHOP regimen has significantly improved survival in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma [1].

Radiotherapy is often utilized as an adjuvant treatment to enhance local disease control. In the case of central nervous system lymphoma, the combination of methotrexate-based chemotherapy with reduced-dose radiotherapy has shown promising results, minimizing neurocognitive toxicity [2].

Monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized lymphoma treatment. Rituximab, targeting the CD20 antigen, has been pioneering in this field. Additionally, radioimmunotherapy (RIT) combines antibodies with radionuclides to direct radiation directly to tumor cells, providing an additional therapeutic option for refractory patients [3].

Conclusions

The treatment of lymphoma has advanced significantly due to the integration of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and monoclonal antibodies. These combined approaches have improved rates of complete remission and provided new opportunities for managing this complex disease. As we continue to research and develop new therapies, it is crucial to keep evaluating the efficacy and safety of these combinations to optimize patient outcomes.

Referencias

• [1] CHOP-like chemotherapy plus rituximab versus CHOP-like chemotherapy alone in young patients with good-prognosis diffuse large-B-cell lymphoma: a randomised controlled trial by the MabThera International Trial (MInT) Group.
• [2] Rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine followed by consolidation reduced-dose whole-brain radiotherapy and cytarabine in newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma: final results and long-term outcome.
• [3] Radiotheranostic Agents in Hematological Malignancies.

Created 4/1/2025