Efficacy and safety of radioimmuno-therapy with yttrium 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin)

Objectives To detail recent developments pertaining to the efficacy and safety of radioimmunotherapy with yttrium 90 (⁹⁰Y) ibritumomab tiuxetan for patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Data sources Published clinical trials of ⁹⁰Y ibritumomab tiuxetan and secondary literature on radioimmunotherapy and NHL. Conclusion Yttrium 90 ibritumomab tiuxetan is safe and effective in the indicated population. It has a good safety profile and is generally well tolerated. It is not associated with the adverse events from conventional chemotherapy and external beam radiation therapy. Implications for nursing practice Nursing professionals who are aware of the efficacy and safety data associated with ⁹⁰Y ibritumomab tiuxetan can optimize efficacy and educate patients and their caregivers about the regimen.