Tositumomab/iodine (131I) tositumomab is a monoclonal antibody radioimmunotherapy used to treat certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Tositumomab/iodine (131I) tositumomab is composed of two parts: an antibody called tositumomab and a radioactive isotope of iodine called iodine-131 (131I). The tositumomab antibody binds to a protein called CD20 found on the surface of B-cells. The 131I is then absorbed by the B-cells when they take up the tositumomab antibody. The radiation kills the cancerous B-cells, while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Tositumomab/iodine (131I) tositumomab is typically combined with chemotherapy, and is used when other treatments have failed or have been unsuccessful. It is usually given as an outpatient procedure. The treatment is relatively safe, but can cause some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and skin irritation. Tositumomab/iodine (131I) tositumomab is an effective treatment for certain types of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and can help to extend the life expectancy of patients. It is important to note, however, that this treatment is not suitable for everyone and that it should only be used under the close supervision of a healthcare professional.
Tositumomab/iodine (131I) tositumomab, also known by the brand name Bexxar (which is discontinued), is a combination therapy used to treat a specific type of cancer. Here's a breakdown of its components and function:
- Components:
- Tositumomab: This is a monoclonal antibody, a lab-made protein that targets a specific molecule on the surface of cells. In this case, tositumomab binds to the CD20 antigen, a protein found on mature B-lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) and some malignant B-cells (cancerous B-lymphocytes).
- Iodine-131 (131I): This is a radioactive isotope of iodine, meaning it's an unstable form of iodine that emits radiation.
- How it works:
- Targeting: Tositumomab delivers the radioactive iodine directly to cancer cells. Because cancerous B-cells have the CD20 antigen on their surface, the tositumomab attaches to them.
- Radiation delivery: Once attached, the radioactive iodine (131I) part of the molecule delivers radiation to the cancer cells. This radiation damages the DNA of the cancer cells, leading to their death.
- Uses: Tositumomab/iodine (131I) tositumomab is primarily used to treat relapsed or refractory B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). NHL is a cancer of the lymphatic system and B-cell refers to a specific type of lymphocyte. Relapsed or refractory means the cancer has come back after previous treatment or hasn't responded well to other therapies.