ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To describe the use of monoclonal antibodies labeled with iodine-131 tositumomab and yttrium-90 ibritumomab-tiuxetan as treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. DATA SOURCES: Literature review of trials of radioimmunotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies recognize and react with specific antigens to provide targeted therapy to tumor cells, particularly hematopoietic tumor cells. This therapy delivers greater amounts of radiation to malignant cells than normal cells and spares critical organs that do not express the antigen. Strict safety and patient precautions must be in place with the use of radiotherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: As the use of radiommunotherapy in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma grows, the role of nursing in the care of these patients will also grow. Nurses will play an important part in patient and family education, as well as staff preparation.
