tositumomab

Tositumomab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of certain types of cancer. It is designed to target and bind to specific antigens on the surface of cancer cells, facilitating their destruction by the body's immune system. Tositumomab is a humanized monoclonal antibody, meaning it is engineered to be more similar to human antibodies, reducing the risk of immune responses against the drug.

The drug is approved for the treatment of relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system. It is typically administered intravenously and is part of a combination therapy that may include other chemotherapy agents or targeted therapies.

Tositumomab works by binding to the CD20 antigen, which is expressed on the surface of B cells, a type of white blood cell. By targeting CD20, tositumomab can induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. This mechanism of action makes it particularly effective against B-cell lymphomas.

The safety profile of tositumomab includes potential side effects such as infusion reactions, which can occur during the administration of the drug. Other common side effects may include fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea. Serious side effects are rare but can include anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.

Tositumomab is manufactured by Genmab, a biopharmaceutical company. It is available under the brand name Rituxan and is used in combination with other treatments to improve outcomes in patients with relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The drug's efficacy and safety have been extensively studied in clinical trials, supporting its use in clinical practice.