Lymphoma Specialists Lament the Discontinuation of Underprescribed Bexxar

In 2013, GlaxoSmithKline announced the discontinuation of Bexxar, a radioimmunotherapy for B-cell lymphoma, due to its limited use and declining demand, with fewer than 75 patients treated in the U.S. in 2012. Despite its effectiveness and a response rate of over 65%, Bexxar was under-prescribed, partly due to marketing issues and lack of clear clinical guidance. Oncologists like John P. Leonard and Anas Younes expressed regret over its discontinuation, noting its potential for long-term remissions with minimal side effects. The decision reflected a shift towards other treatments like bendamustine and emerging agents, as well as a corporate decision acknowledging oncologists' preferences for more familiar therapies. GSK planned to make the cell line used in Bexxar's production available for research, highlighting the complexity of its manufacturing process.