Radioimmunotherapy as first-line therapy
I wish to comment further on Betsy's entry on radioimmunotherapy (RIT) as first-line (or front-line) therapy for NHL.
i, myself, received RIT as first-line therapy for my Stage IV NHL, though my treatment was part of an experimental clinical study. Affirming Betsy's comments, oncologists can legally and ethically prescribe RIT as first-line therapy in "off-label" use. (Please read my blog entry dated 6/16/06 on "off-label" use of medications.)
Having spoken with many oncologists, I know that there are those who are impressed with the effectiveness of RIT and would use this class of medication "first-line". But, the patient must often initiate discussion of the topic.
Patients must be their own advocate.
Mort