Mantle Cell Lymphoma
A reader has asked if RIT is the same thing as Bexxar and if it is used to treat mantle cell lymphoma. Yes, the words are confusing, so I'll first attempt to explain radioimmunotherapy (RIT) in a very simplistic way.
RIT is based on using man-made antibodies, called monoclonal antibodies. Antibodies are proteins which recognize, seek and mark foreign substances for destruction by calling other components of the body's immune system into action. In effect, this is what Rituxan does.
Radioimmunotherapy takes it a step further. Rather than relying solely on the antibody to seek and attach to foreign substances and hope that the body's own immune system would go into action to kill off the invaders, scientists attached a radioactive molecule to the antibody. This linking of radioactive material to monoclonal antibodies is known as radioimmunotherapy. It's effective because the antibody portion seeks and attaches to the cancerous cells and the radioactive portion plunges through them, killing them off.
We're all used to the word chemotherapy, which means that chemicals are used to treat cancer. Those chemicals have names most of us have heard - Vincristene, Adriamyacin, etc.
Radioimmunotherapy means that antibodies and radioactive materials are used instead of chemicals. There are currently two drugs approved for radioimmunotherapy treatment, and their names are Bexxar and Zevalin.
I hope this clears up the confusion.
RIT has been and is being currently tested in clinical trials for mantle cell lymphoma, as well as several other forms of the disease. From what I have read, I believe that its use has shown to be promising. I would definitely consult with a physician who is familiar with RIT because it may prove to be a valuable treatment option.
Good luck....
Betsy