Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against CD20 antigen. This molecule is expressed only on the surface of B lymphocytes, it is present neither on precursor cells nor on plasma cells. CD20 antigen is not internalized nor shed. Infusion of rituximab evokes rapid B-cell depletion. It is caused mainly due to complement activation and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Furthermore, rituximab acts synergistically with standard chemotherapy, sensitizing cells to apoptosis, via inhibition of the expression of Bcl-2 protein.