Radiolabeled immunotherapy in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma treatment:the next step

Radiolabeled immunotherapy (RIT) is becoming a significant step forward in the treatment management of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). In this state-of-the-art review article, general details, practical and health economic aspects, and next steps of RIT in NHL are reviewed from the existing literature and latest abstracts. As Y-90-ibritumomab tiuxetan is the only marketed RIT in NHL in Europe, the special focus of this review is on 90Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan, although the whole spectrum of available RIT concepts is highlighted. There is strong evidence to suggest that RIT is not only a safe and efficacious add-on treatment option in third or second line to chemotherapy, but is also a convincing asset as first-line therapy in various indications of lymphoma. Nucl Med Commun 30:5-15 (C) 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.