Rituximab for B cell infiltration (diffuse) in all sinus cavities and suspected nasal septum infiltration

[Sallybee44]

The doctor has recommended Rituximab (1x a week for 4 weeks) to decrease the inflamed tissue. While researching chemo drugs for CLL/SLL I see several notices "as the first line of treat meant (initial treatment). My blood work is not bad (19yrs since diagnosis) and would not be a candidate for treatment if not for the soft tissue growth over the past 2 years. It is not blocking most of my sinuses and will have an MRI to get a better view. Please let me know if anyone has used Rituximab for diffuse infiltration of B cells and your experience. Thank You,

Sally

[Sallybee44]

I should review the post.. Correction... Ii is blocking most of my sinuses at this time

[AussieNeil Administrator]

You've done well lasting 19 years without treatment! Rituximab monotherapy isn't standard treatment for CLL, but some members have had it and will hopefully respond.

Incidentally, you can edit your posts and replies via the menu that appears when you select the 'More v' under them.

Neil

[snowdroprose]

Hi Sallybee. I'm sorry but I don't understand about your blocked sinuses. My nose is blocked and I've been diagnosed as having sleep apnea and given a CPAP. I'm assured that I just have to wait for an ENT appointment but I suspect I've been discharged . Whether or not it is my sinuses that are blocked I just don't know because I have never been diagnosed. I assumed my blocked nose was what was left over from having a chest infection. I had no idea that it was anything to do with my CLL. Could anyone give me some information and advice. BTW, my last FCR was August 2015 and I need more treatment now. My huge neck glands are probably contributing to my sleep apnea. I've recently had a Tp53 bloodtest and I'm waiting for the results and the subsequent decision as to how I am treated. Thanx in anticipation. xx

[Sallybee44]

The Cat scans of my sinus cavities over 16 months showed increased blockages. I had sinus surgery (turbinate reduction) in Nov 17 and the symptoms continued. Finally in July 18 a biopsy was done by the third ENT and a B cell infiltration (SLL) was diagnosed. Sinus infiltration is rare..the new oncologist said he has never seen this though has seen B cell infiltration in the intestines. I had a sleep apnea test in August 16 that was negative. Hope this helps with any confusion.