CD20 is found on the surface of B cells (a pop in of immune system cell).
But let’s back up and make this easier to understand.
Lymphomas are cancers of B and T cells.
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Cancers of the B cells act differently from cancers of the T cells.
Despite these differences, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two under a microscope.
What Are CD Markers?
CD stands for cluster of differentiation and is one way to tell different kinds of cells apart.
You may hear CD markers called antigens.
An antigen is basically anything on the surface of a cell that can be recognized by our immune system.
Altogether there are more than 250 of these cell surface antigens.
What Is CD20?
CD20 is an antigen that is found on the surface of B cells but not T cells.
Both of these cancers have large, “cancery” looking cells and can be otherwise indistinguishable.
How Is It Tested?
Treatment
Treatment and prognosis for B-cell and T-cell lymphomas are often different.
Monoclonal Antibody Treatment and CD20
There are several monoclonal antibodies that are now being used.
Then, another differentiating factor is that some are linked to a radioactive elements (ibritumomab tiuxetan).
Reach out to family and friends.
And check that you areyour own advocate in your cancer care.
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American Cancer Society.Monoclonal antibodies and their side effects.
American Cancer Society.Immunotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
U.S. Food & Drug Administration.Highlights Of prescribing information: Arzerra.
Levit L, Balogh E, Nass S, et al.Patient-Centered Communication and Shared Decision Making.
National Academies Press (US); 2013.
