Abstract
Serum B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) levels are elevated in a subset of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients, particularly those with a family history of B-cell malignancies or a polymorphism in the BLyS gene. BLyS promotes growth of malignant B-cells and increased serum BLyS levels are associated with a poor clinical outcome. In this study, BLyS levels were measured before and after 4 weekly doses of rituximab in 30 patients with previously untreated follicular Grade 1 NHL. A significant increase was seen in the serum levels of BLyS (P = 0.0001) after rituximab therapy. The increase was independent of genetic variability in the BLyS gene.
Publication types
-
Comparative Study
-
Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
-
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
-
Adult
-
Aged
-
Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology*
-
Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
-
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
-
Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
-
Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
-
B-Cell Activating Factor / blood*
-
B-Cell Activating Factor / genetics
-
Disease Progression
-
Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
-
Female
-
Humans
-
Lymphoma, Follicular / blood
-
Lymphoma, Follicular / drug therapy*
-
Male
-
Middle Aged
-
Neoplasm Proteins / blood*
-
Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
-
Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
-
Retrospective Studies
-
Rituximab
Substances
-
Antibodies, Monoclonal
-
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
-
Antineoplastic Agents
-
B-Cell Activating Factor
-
Neoplasm Proteins
-
TNFSF13B protein, human
-
Rituximab