Covid and Rituximab

Hi Jamie  and welcome to this corner of the site.

A question that has been asked in this community and other support platforms over the past few years and you will get completely different answers. Answers that go from maintenance being important to not making much difference……. honestly, as each case is different clinical teams will be viewing this case by case….. what ware you team saying?

I did not go down this route so can’t help (different type of NHL and treatment journey) so let’s look for any others who have been in this position to come along.

Some info on the Lymphoma Action site 

lymphoma-action.org.uk/.../changes-your-lymphoma-treatment-due-covid-19

Always around to talk.

Hi Jamie, I researched this pretty extensively earlier this year as my consultant initially said I would not have maintenance (with Obinutuzumab, which is similar). I did end up having it though and have had 2 treatments so far.

I'd suggest looking at the PRIMA study of 2011 which gave the initial results for Rituximab (better progression-free survival than no maintenance). The GALLIUM study looked at Rituximab versus Obinutuzumab. There was also the RESORT trial on Rituximab (no difference compared to monitor and retreat when necessary).

There are disadvantages to MT, mainly ongoing immunosuppression, particularly currently with Covid around. However, my personal preference was to have MT and I went to my end of treatment appointment prepared to push my case. However, this wasn't required in the event, as my consultant offered it to me.

Hope this helps, it's not a clearcut decision and not the same for everyone.