Great question! Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) and rituximab are actually two different types of drugs, though both are used to treat lymphoma.
Here's a quick breakdown of each:
Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)
- A BTK inhibitor — it works by blocking a protein called BTK that cancer cells use to grow and divide
- Taken as a pill once or Show Full Answer
Great question! Brukinsa (zanubrutinib) and rituximab are actually two different types of drugs, though both are used to treat lymphoma.
Here's a quick breakdown of each:
Brukinsa (zanubrutinib)
- A BTK inhibitor — it works by blocking a protein called BTK that cancer cells use to grow and divide
- Taken as a pill once or twice a day
- Approved for several types of lymphoma including MCL, WM, MZL, CLL/SLL, and follicular lymphoma
Rituximab
- A monoclonal antibody — it targets a protein called CD20 found on B cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system
- Given as an infusion (through a vein)
- Often combined with chemotherapy or other targeted therapies In some cases, these two drugs can actually be used together as a combination treatment. They work in different ways, which can make them a powerful team against lymphoma.
Always check with your doctor about which treatment or combination is right for your specific situation.
June 13
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