Rituximab in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia: abstract review
We consider the current approaches to treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), justify the rituximab use in CLL - a monoclonal antibody to CD20-receptor. The results of randomized clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of rituximab in CLL are presented. Based on results, it was concluded the superiority of immunochemotherapy with rituximab over chemotherapy in the treatment of patients with CLL. It is emphasized that the FCR regimen (fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, rituximab) can be considered as "gold standard" in treatment of patients with CLL both in the first and second-line therapy.

Keywords: FCR regimen, immunochemotherapy, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rituximab