Ocular Adnexal
Lymphomas are the first cause of primary ocular
malignancies, and among them the most common are MALT Ocular Adnexal
Lymphomas. Recently systemic
immunotherapy with anti-CD20
monoclonal antibody has been investigated as first-line treatment; however, the optimal management for MALT Ocular Adnexal
Lymphomas is still unknown. The present study evaluated retrospectively the outcome of seven consecutive patients with primary MALT Ocular Adnexal
Lymphomas, of whom six were treated with single agent
Rituximab. All patients received 6 cycles of
Rituximab 375 mg/mq every 3 weeks intravenously. The overall response rate was 100%; four patients (67%) achieved a Complete Remission, and two (33%) achieved a partial response. In four patients an additional
Rituximab maintenance every 2-3 months was given for two years. After a median follow-up of 29 months (range 8-34), no recurrences were observed, without of
therapy- or disease-related severe adverse events. None of the patients needed additional
radiotherapy or other treatments.
Rituximab as a single agent is highly effective and tolerable in first-line treatment of primary MALT Ocular adnexal
Lymphomas. Furthermore, durable responses are achievable with the same-agent maintenance.
Rituximab can be considered the agent of choice in the management of an indolent disease in whom the "quality of life" matter is of primary importance.