pixantrone + rituximab

Pixantrone + rituximab is a combination regimen used primarily for the treatment of relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Pixantrone is a novel aza-anthracenedione designed to reduce cardiotoxicity compared to traditional anthracyclines while maintaining antineoplastic activity. Its mechanism involves direct DNA alkylation, formation of stable DNA adducts, and weak inhibition of topoisomerase II, leading to impaired DNA replication and mitosis[1][5][6]. Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B lymphocytes; it mediates cell death through complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and direct apoptosis induction[3]. The combination has been investigated as salvage therapy in patients with multiple relapsed or refractory aggressive B-cell lymphomas[2][4].

Brand names

PixuvriRituxanMabThera

Other names

aza-anthracenedione (for pixantrone)monoclonal antibody anti-CD20 (for rituximab)