This is a monoclonal antibody which causes lysis of B lymphocytes

Indications: Chemotherapy resistant advanced follicular lymphoma of stage III or IV; diffuse large B- cell non – Hodgkins lymphoma in combination with other chemotherapy; advanced follicular lymphoma with other chemotherapeutic agents.

Cautions: In patients receiving cardiotoxic chemotherapy or history of cardiovascular disease because exacerbation of angina, arrhythmia, heart failure has been reported.

Contra-indications: breast feeding

Side effect: Infusion-related side effects (including cytokine release syndrome) like chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylaxis, urticaria, bronchospasm, dyspnea and angioedema, flushing & tumour pain; Severe cytokine release syndrome (characterized by severe dyspnea) and associated with features of tumour lysis syndrome have occurred 1-2 hours after infusion.

Dose: 375mg/meter squared once a week for 4 infusions if given as monotherapy and 8 if given with chemotherapy.