Idec, Genentech report Rituxan data

IDPH and partner DNA said data from a 104-patient Phase II study showed an overall response rate of 90% in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients receiving Rituxan rituximab concurrent with fludarabine. In addition, 47% of patients receiving the combination achieved complete responses and 43% had partial responses. In the study's sequential arm, in which patients received fludarabine followed by Rituxan, there was a 77% overall response rate, with 28% of patients achieving complete responses and 49% with partial responses. Grade 3/5 infusion toxicity was observed in 29% of patient in the concurrent arm, compared to 6% of patients in the sequential arm. ...