Severe infusion-related reactions are uncommon in rituximab-treated CLL patients in clinical practice: Results from a Swedish national observational study

• There have been concerns about serious infusion-related adverse drug reactions (ADR) with rituximabin chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We therefore conducted an observational trial in which CLL patients planned for rituximab-containing therapy were eligible. Ninety-six patients from 19 centers were enrolled. The most common regimen was rituximab, fludarabine and cyclophosphamide. Fifty-six patients experienced ADR during rituximab infusion. Reactions greater than= grade 3 occurred in five patients and no cases of tumor lysis syndrome were recorded. Despite a high number of circulating tumor cells few severe ADR were noted. Thus, rituximab containing regimens can be considered safe for CLL patients in general practice.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Hematologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Hematology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Adverse reaction; Chronic lymphocytic leukemia; Rituximab; Therapy

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)