Leukemia :: Rituxan n GM-CSF Safe and Effective for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Researchers from the MD Anderson Cancer Center have reported that the combination of Rituxan? (rituximab) and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (Leukine?, sargramostim) is well tolerated and very effective in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The results of this phase II clinical trial were presented at the 47th annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology in December, 2005.

To evaluate the combination of Rituxan and Leukine in the treatment of CLL, researchers conducted a phase II clinical trial among 85 patients with CLL. The study included three groups of patients: patients with previously untreated CLL and Rai stage 0-II (low- or intermediate-risk CLL); previously untreated patients over the age of 70 years; and previously treated patients with evidence of active disease.

The researchers conclude that the combination of Rituxan and Leukine for the treatment of CLL is well tolerated and associated with an encouragingly high response rate.


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