Single-Agent Rituximab as First-Line and Maintenance Treatment for Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: A Phase II Trial of the Minnie Pearl Cancer Research Network

Single-agent rituximab, used at a standard dose and schedule, is active in the first-line treatment of patients with CLL/SLL, producing substantially higher response rates than previously reported in relapsed or refractory patients (51% v 13%, respectively). Re-treatment with rituximab at 6-month intervals is well tolerated. The PFS time of 18.6 months in patients with CLL/SLL seems shorter than the 36- to 40-month median PFSs previously reported with first-line plus maintenance rituximab in patients with follicular lymphoma. Additional follow-up is required to fully assess the impact of this treatment strategy.