The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Approves Rituximab (RITUXAN) for Pediatric and Adolescent B-cell Lymphomas

On December 2, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced it has approved rituximab (RITUXAN, Genentech, Inc.), a monoclonal antibody, in combination with chemotherapy for pediatric patients aged at least 6 months to 18 years with previously untreated, advanced staged, CD20-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), Burkitt lymphoma (BL), and Burkitt-like lymphoma (BLL).

“Researchers have made significant progress in our understanding of B-cell lymphomas, which we hope will continue to improve treatment strategies and options for children and adolescents with this disease,” said Meghan Gutierrez, Chief Executive Officer at the Lymphoma Research Foundation (LRF).  “The approval of rituximab for this vulnerable population builds upon this progress to offer new treatment options and hope for improving patient outcomes.”

To assist young lymphoma patients in addressing the medical challenges, psychosocial needs, and access issues they may encounter, LRF launched a multi-faceted adolescent and young adult (AYA) lymphoma initiative in 2014 with its founding partner, The Paul Foundation. Through the initiative, LRF provides expert materials and programs, convenes clinicians and researchers to examine the state of the science for AYA lymphoma, and funds research focusing on combating lymphoma in the AYA community.

For more information on the FDA approval of Rituxan (RITUXIMAB), visit the FDA’s website.  To learn more about treatment options for DLBCL and Burkitt lymphoma, visit the DLBCL and Burkitt Lymphoma Learning Centers.