What are radioimmunoconjugates and what is their current status in treating lymphoma?

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MichaelGrossbardMD (Physician - Oncology - Hematology/Oncology (Verified) ) - 07 / 05 / 2012

Radioimmunoconjugates are antibodies that are attached directly to radioactive isotopes such as iodine or yttrium. These antibodies allow radiation therapy (a very effective form of treatment for lymphoma) to be delivered directly to the surface of malignant lymphoma cells in relatively high doses while sparing normal tissues from the effects of radiation. There currently are two such agents that are FDA approved in the United States for the treatment of low grade lymphoma. The benefits of these agents in more aggressive lymphomas are less well-defined. They also are not appropriate for all patients. For example, patients who have significant bone marrow involvement by lymphoma are not candidates for radioimmunoconjugate therapy because too much radiation will be delivered to the bone marrow thereby having the potential to cause dangerous reductions in the white blood count and platelet count.
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