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This page contains brief information about rituximab and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, related research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s):		Rituxan
FDA Approved:		Yes

Rituximab is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used alone or with other drugs to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It is also approved to be used with methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

Rituximab is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer and other conditions.

FDA Approval for Rituximab ⁴ - Information from the FDA about the approval of this drug and the clinical trials that led to the approval.

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary ⁵ - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

Clinical Trial Results: Maintenance Rituximab May Improve Survival in Follicular Lymphoma (04/02/2009) ⁶ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Rituximab Improves Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (01/14/2009) ⁷ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Initial Treatment with Rituximab is a New Standard for Elderly Patients with B-Cell Lymphoma (07/10/2006) ⁸ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Rituximab Benefits Younger Patients with Good-Prognosis Diffuse Large-B-Cell Lymphoma (05/03/2006) ⁹ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Rituximab Helps Patients with Recurrent Lymphomas (10/26/2005) ¹⁰ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Follicular Lymphoma Treatment Better with Rituximab (05/15/2005) ¹¹ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Rituximab Improves Response Rate in Mantle Cell Lymphoma (06/05/2004) ¹² - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

MedlinePlus Information on Rituximab ¹³ - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

• warnings about this drug,
• what this drug is used for and how it is used,
• what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
• what you should know about this drug before using it,
• other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
• possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This NLM patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Clinical Trials for Rituximab ¹⁴ - Check for trials from NCI's PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry now accepting patients.

Glossary Terms

A type of cancer that forms in B cells (a type of immune system cell). B-cell lymphomas usually occur in adults and may be either indolent (slow-growing) or aggressive (fast-growing). There are many different types of B-cell lymphomas, and prognosis and treatment depend on the type and stage of cancer.

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.

An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The Food and Drug Administration also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called FDA.

A drug used to treat some types of cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe skin conditions, such as psoriasis. Methotrexate stops cells from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. It is a type of antimetabolite. Also called amethopterin, MTX, and Rheumatrex.

Any of a large group of cancers of lymphocytes (white blood cells). Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur at any age and are often marked by lymph nodes that are larger than normal, fever, and weight loss. There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These types can be divided into aggressive (fast-growing) and indolent (slow-growing) types, and they can be formed from either B-cells or T-cells. B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include Burkitt lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, immunoblastic large cell lymphoma, precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas include mycosis fungoides, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma. Lymphomas that occur after bone marrow or stem cell transplantation are usually B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Prognosis and treatment depend on the stage and type of disease. Also called NHL.

An autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, and may cause severe joint damage, loss of function, and disability. The disease may last from months to a lifetime, and symptoms may improve and worsen over time.