Radiation Therapy With Monoclonal Antibodies

Ibritumomab and tositumomab deliver radiation directly to lymphoma cells using Reference monoclonal antibodies Opens New Window. Monoclonal antibodies are substances produced in a lab that bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body. Radiation is attached to a monoclonal antibody. The monoclonal antibody recognizes specific proteins that are found on the surface of some lymphoma cells. The monoclonal antibody locks onto the protein (like a key in a lock) and causes the cell to die. The radiation attached to the antibody also kills lymphoma cells that are nearby.

Ibritumomab is used with another monoclonal antibody medicine called Reference rituximab. Tositumomab is used by itself.

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