• A variety of biologic agents have been used, most notably interferon-alpha . This is a modest antitumor agent
when used alone and is being studied in combination with chemotherapy or as an adjuvant to chemotherapy in
an attempt to prolong remission .
• Monoclonal antibodies directed against specific surface markers or more general B cell markers have been used
alone, tagged with a radioisotope, combined with a toxin or used in a combined approach with chemotherapy
and interferon.
• Selected research institutions are investigating the efficacy of high-dose chemotherapy and fractionated
total-body radiation and bone marrow transplantation.
Therapy for Relapsed Disease The treatment used initially is often successful when used again after a relapse in the low-grade lymphomas. Fludarabine and 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (2-CdA), two newer agents, have been shown to produce significant responses in previously treated patients. High-dose chemoradiotherapy and bone marrow transplantation are under investigation. Radiotherapy may be useful to reduce bulky or painful disease sites. Any of the investigational treatments may also be used.
