Effectiveness of Rituximab in patients with lymphoblastic leukemia and its relationship with the number of infections obtained during their first year of treatment

Abstract

Background: Cancer as a disease that is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells, thus being able to invade other tissues and multiply autonomously; Thus, for some years now there has been a wide range of alternatives in terms of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of cancer, including rituximab, which is directed against the CD20 antigen of B lymphocytes, its mechanism of action being the reduction of the B cell, appearing as an option within the treatment in children with severe and resistant autoimmune diseases giving good results. Objective: to determine the effectiveness of Rituximab in patients with lymphoblastic leukemia during their first year of treatment. Methodology: a non-systematic search of original articles, case reports and bibliographic reviews published in SciElo, ScienceDirect, UpToDate was carried out; descriptors: Rituximab; monoclonal antibodies; antineoplastic protocols. Included are jobs with less than 5 years of seniority, English and/or Spanish language. Results: An easy-to-read scientific document was constructed that addresses the main topics for the knowledge of staff at all levels of care. Conclusion: To improve results, vaccines should be administered before therapy with rituximab because it can produce hypogammaglobulinemia, which would represent an increased risk of infections. In cases where there are patients with recurrent infections after therapy with rituximab, antibiotic prophylaxis or even immunoglobulin replacement is suggested. General area of ​​study: medicine. Specific study area: oncology. Type of study: narrative review.