RESUMEN
Objective To investigate the safety of a 60-minute rituximab rapid infusion protocol in the maintenance therapy for Chinese B-cell lymphoma patients (including the elderly) and to discuss the feasibility of rituximab treatment in outpatient departments or daily wards. Methods This prospective study enrolled 820 patients diagnosed with B cell lymphoma in the Department of Hematology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from February 2015 to July 2016. From the second chemotherapy cycle,rituximab was infused within 60 minutes (100 mg/h over the first 15 minutes and the remaining dose given over 45 minutes, there was no maximum infusion rate,and 700 mg/h was acceptable),and the adverse reactions were recorded. Comparison was done between patients<65 years and≥65 years. Results The overall adverse reaction rate was 4.20% and no grade 4 or higher adverse reactions were recorded. The adverse reaction rate in the elderly patients was not significantly elevated. Conclusion For Chinese patients (including the elderly) with B cell lymphoma,the 60-minute rapid infusion of rituximab (beyond the first cycle) is a safe treatment option with low adverse reaction rate.