Abstract |
Because of its B-cell depleting effect, rituximab has entered clinical trials in several autoimmune conditions. This study assesses the efficacy and safety of rituximab in 57 adults with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura ( ITP). All patients had platelet counts < 30 x 10(9)/l, all had received two or more previous ITP treatments and 31 had undergone splenectomy. Patients received rituximab 375 mg/m(2) weekly for 4 weeks. Thirty-one patients (54%) responded, achieving a platelet count >50 x 10(9)/l: 18 achieved a complete response (CR: platelet count >150 x 10(9)/l) and 13 a partial response (PR: platelet count 50-150 x 10(9)/l). Twenty-nine responses occurred within 8 weeks of the first infusion. Sixteen of 18 CR patients (28% overall), including eight who had failed splenectomy, continued in CR after a median of 72.5 weeks; 15 of 16 are >1 year from the first infusion. Only two of 13 maintained a PR. Thirty-three patients experienced grade 1-2 adverse events and one a grade 3 event, but they all completed treatment. Circulating B cells fell to < 0.03 x 10(9)/l. No changes in immunoglobulin levels or infectious complications were seen. In summary, rituximab was well tolerated with no immediate complications and induced a lasting, substantial response in 32% of adults with chronic ITP.
|
Authors | Nichola Cooper, Roberto Stasi, Susanna Cunningham-Rundles, Michael A Feuerstein, John P Leonard, Sergio Amadori, James B Bussel |
Journal | British journal of haematology
(Br J Haematol)
Vol. 125
Issue 2
Pg. 232-9
(Apr 2004)
ISSN: 0007-1048 [Print] England |
PMID | 15059147
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
|
Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antigens, CD20
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Immunoglobulins
- Rituximab
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(therapeutic use)
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antigens, CD20
(immunology)
- Antineoplastic Agents
(therapeutic use)
- B-Lymphocytes
(immunology)
- Female
- Humans
- Immunoglobulins
(analysis)
- Leukocyte Count
- Lymphocyte Depletion
(methods)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neutrophils
- Platelet Count
- Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
(drug therapy)
- Rituximab
- Splenectomy
- Treatment Outcome
|