cladribine + rituximab

Cladribine + rituximab is a combination regimen of two drugs used primarily in the treatment of hairy cell leukemia (HCL), including both classic and variant forms. Cladribine is a purine nucleoside analog that induces cytotoxicity in B and T lymphocytes by interfering with DNA synthesis, leading to apoptosis or autophagy. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B cells, resulting in their depletion through immune-mediated mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement activation. The combination can be administered either concurrently (starting both drugs together) or sequentially (rituximab given weeks to months after cladribine). Clinical studies have shown that this combination achieves higher rates of complete remission and minimal residual disease negativity compared to cladribine alone[1][2][3][4][5]. The regimen is associated with increased but manageable hematologic toxicity.

Other names

cladribine plus rituximabcladribine and rituximabCDAR