What Is Ibritumomab Tiuxetan?

Ibritumomab tiuxetan is a medication available for treatment of non-Hodgkin’s B cell lymphoma, a type of blood cancer. It is an example of a monoclonal antibody, a medication made from cloned cells that produce exact copies of a specific antibody. Patients may receive this medication for new or recurrent cases of cancer, depending on the specifics of their medical situations and the experience of the oncologist planning treatment. The drug is delivered by infusion under supervision of medical professionals in case a bad reaction occurs, so they can deliver treatment promptly to help the patient recover.

This medication is delivered in combination therapy with a radioactive isotope attached to it by a bonding agent. The ibritumomab tiuxetan targets B cells by looking for a specific antigen on their surface and locks onto them, delivering a targeted dose of radiation to the cell. This eliminates both healthy and cancerous B cells as part of therapy. While in treatment, the patient needs to be monitored, because anemia is a potential side effect, as is immunosuppression, which can expose the patient to the risk of serious infections.

At the time ibritumomab tiuxetan is administered, the patient can be at risk of a reaction to the drug that may cause numbness, tingling, or redness around the infusion site. This should be reported immediately to a nurse or another care provider. Serious infusion reactions can occur in some cases; patients should report high fevers, dizziness, and altered levels of consciousness. If these aren’t caused directly by the medication, they could be the result of an infection in an immunosuppressed patient.

Along with ibritumomab tiuxetan therapy, the patient may also need other treatments in connection with cancer care. These can include supportive therapy while the B cells recover from treatment, which can take up to three months for some patients. Follow up testing to make sure the treatment was effective is also important.

Known by the brand name Zevalin®, ibritumomab tiuxetan can be a good option in the treatment of some forms of non-Hodgkin’s B cell lymphoma. The best choice for a patient can depend on the results of biopsy and testing to determine the specifics of the case, as well as a discussion with the patient about the goals of treatment. People concerned about side effects and other risks can discuss them to learn more about the available options and alternatives. It can help to ask for specific information about the prognosis with different treatments, in order to make an informed decision.