The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 277 No 7420 p385
30 September 2006

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NICE extends use of rituximab in follicular lymphoma

Rituximab (MabThera), in combination with chemotherapy, has been endorsed as a first-line treatment option for patients with symptomatic stage III and IV follicular lymphoma by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

The recommendation, issued to the NHS in England and Wales this week using NICE’s new rapid appraisal process, extends guidance published in 2002 that approved use of rituximab for patients who are resistant to chemotherapy. The guidance, available at www.nice.org.uk, relates to use of rituximab within its licensed indications (ie, in combination with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and prednisolone).