Abstract | PURPOSE OF REVIEW: RECENT FINDINGS: No study has directly compared rituximab to splenectomy in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Rituximab produces an initial response in approximately 60% of cases, with no significant difference between splenectomized and nonsplenectomized patients. Long-term complete responses are observed in 15-20% of cases. Adverse events related to the drug were usually mild or moderate, with a low incidence of infections. Long-term safety data, however, are still lacking. Deaths have been reported for 2.9% of immune thrombocytopenic purpura cases treated with rituximab, but they could not be attributed to the study drug. SUMMARY:
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Authors | Nichola Cooper, Maria Laura Evangelista, Sergio Amadori, Roberto Stasi |
Journal | Current opinion in hematology
(Curr Opin Hematol)
Vol. 14
Issue 6
Pg. 642-6
(Nov 2007)
ISSN: 1065-6251 [Print] United States |
PMID | 17898569
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antineoplastic Agents
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Rituximab
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Topics |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Antineoplastic Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
(drug therapy, immunology)
- Rituximab
- Splenectomy
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