gemcitabine + rituximab

Gemcitabine + rituximab is a combination therapy used primarily in the treatment of certain types of lymphoma, particularly relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), and other aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Gemcitabine is a nucleoside analog that inhibits DNA synthesis, leading to cell death in rapidly dividing cells. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B lymphocytes, resulting in their destruction through mechanisms such as complement-dependent cytotoxicity and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Notably, gemcitabine has been shown to upregulate CD20 expression on tumor cells, thereby enhancing the efficacy of rituximab-mediated cytotoxicity[6][8]. This combination exploits both direct cytotoxic effects and immune-mediated mechanisms for improved anti-tumor activity.

Brand names

RituxanMabTheraGemzar

Other names

R-GemR-GemOx (when combined with oxaliplatin)LY188011 (for gemcitabine)Gemcitabine hydrochloride