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NICE Issues Final Guidance on the Use of Rituximab as First-Line Treatment of CLL
LONDON -- July 24, 2009 -- The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published guidance on the use of rituximab for the first line treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).
The guidance recommends that rituximab should be considered as a possible first-line treatment for people with CLL who are able to take fludarabine in combination with cyclophosphamide.
Rituximab should only be used in combination with fludarabine and cyclophosphamide. Rituximab is not recommended in combination with any other chemotherapy agents as a first-line treatment for CLL.
"After looking at all of the available evidence the independent Appraisal Committee concluded that rituximab, when used as a first-line treatment for people with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia who are able to take fludarabine in combination with cyclophosphamide, represented an effective use of NHS resources," said Carole Longson, MD, Health Technology Evaluation Centre, NICE, London, United Kingdom.
"This important guidance increases the treatment options available to people with this condition, wherever they live in England and Wales," she said.
SOURCE: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
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