Abstract |
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rituximab treatments for refractory and relapsed idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura ( ITP). 18 patients with refractory and relapsed ITP who received 22 courses of rituximab treatments from January 2007 to December 2010 were analyzed retrospectively. Rituximab was given at a dose of 375 mg/m(2) intravenously weekly for a continuous 4 weeks. The results indicated that responses were achieved in 15 of 22 (68%) courses, out of which complete responses were achieved in 10 of 22 (45%) courses, partial and minimal responses were achieved in 5 of 22 (23%) courses, and no responses were achieved in 7 of 22 (32%) courses. The median time of response was 3 weeks (1 - 17 weeks) from the start of treatment and median duration of response was 13 weeks (1 week - 42 months). The responses were mostly short-sustained and follow-up median time was 20 months (1 - 52 months). The responses of 8 patients (36%) sustained for over 6 months, 6 patients (27%) sustained for over 1 year, and 4 patients also showed sustained response at last visit of follow-up. Previous splenectomy resulted in a poor response (P = 0.037). Patients who failed in rituximab treatment and prior received multiple treatments including splenectomy, had a poor response to further therapies. It is concluded that rituximab is well tolerated by patients and is useful in some patients with relapsed and refractory ITP, however, only about 20% patients can achieve sustained remissions. The patients who failed in rituximab treatment has a poor response to further treatment.
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Authors | Li-Yu Zhou, Zheng Zhang, Lu-Xi Song, Xi Gzhang, Ji-Ying Su, Xiao Li, Chun-Kang Chang |
Journal | Zhongguo shi yan xue ye xue za zhi
(Zhongguo Shi Yan Xue Ye Xue Za Zhi)
Vol. 20
Issue 4
Pg. 941-4
(Aug 2012)
ISSN: 1009-2137 [Print] China |
PMID | 22931660
(Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
- Rituximab
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Antibodies, Monoclonal
(therapeutic use)
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
(therapeutic use)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic
(drug therapy)
- Recurrence
- Retrospective Studies
- Rituximab
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult
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