Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States. As biomedical knowledge regarding recombinant DNA technology has advanced, a number of targeted treatments have been developed, including monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies have exhibited promising results in the routine and experimental treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Particularly interesting is the development of radioimmunoconjugates: monoclonal antibodies conjugated to radioactive molecules. Radioimmunotherapy provides the option of targeting specific radiation to tumor cells while sparing normal cells from the toxic effects of radiation. Current clinical trials of radioimmunotherapy are focused on monoclonal antibodies conjugated with either radioactive yttrium or radioactive iodine.

The presentations in this collection will provide an overview of the evolution of monoclonal antibody therapy in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, discuss current trials examining the safety and efficacy of radioimmunotherapy, and assess the potential impact of radioimmunotherapy on the treatment of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

These proceedings were published in Volume 1, Issue 1, of Bloodline Reviews. You can download a PDF version of the complete issue or use the below links to access the content on the web.

Participants and Presentations:

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: An Overview
     Presenter: Brian K. Link, MD
 

Radioimmunotherapy Agents: What They Are and How They Work
     Presenter: Gregory A. Wiseman, MD
 

Early Clinical Experience with Yttrium-Labeled Radioimmunotherapy in Patients with Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
     Presenter: Leo I. Gordon, MD
 

Radioimmunotherapy in Patients with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Refractory to Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy
     Presenter: Thomas E. Witzig, MD
 

Radioimmunotherapy in Hematologic Malignancies: Future Directions
     Presenter: Bruce D. Cheson, MD
 

Panel Discussion/Q&A