Congrats on your second dose of Truxima (rituximab) — you're making progress! Truxima is a monoclonal antibody, which is a type of immunotherapy. It works by latching onto proteins on the surface of leukemia cells, signaling the immune system to destroy them.
The overall goals of treatment for CLL generally include:
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Congrats on your second dose of Truxima (rituximab) — you're making progress! Truxima is a monoclonal antibody, which is a type of immunotherapy. It works by latching onto proteins on the surface of leukemia cells, signaling the immune system to destroy them.
The overall goals of treatment for CLL generally include:
- Relieving symptoms that affect daily life
- Slowing the growth of leukemia cells
- Achieving remission, meaning signs of CLL are reduced or eliminated
- Improving quality of life, especially for older adults or those with other health concerns Chemotherapy works differently — it kills rapidly dividing cells, including leukemia cells. However, it can also affect healthy cells, which is why side effects like low red or white blood cell counts can occur.
Truxima is often combined with chemotherapy drugs to make treatment more effective. This combination approach is called chemoimmunotherapy, and it's a common strategy for treating CLL.
Always keep your care team informed about how you're feeling after each dose — side effects are worth tracking closely!
May 30