[Rituximab treatment of XXXX . Results of a phase II study].

@entity1 @entity3039 @entity281 @entity66
In a recent article we indicated that rituximab is an active and safe drug in @entity1 with chronic @entity3039 . We report now the updated results of this study. Twenty-five individuals with chronic @entity3039 were treated with intravenous rituximab at the dose of 375 mg/m2 once weekly for 4 weeks. Rituximab infusion-related side effects were observed in 18 @entity1 , but they were of modest intensity and did not require discontinuation of treatment. Long-term side effects included a decreased B-cell count of several months duration in most @entity1 which, however, did not translate into a significant rate of @entity281 . The overall response rate was 52%, with 7 cases showing a sustained response (6 months or longer). In 2 @entity1 with @entity66 , repeat challenge with rituximab induced a new response. In responders a significant rise in platelet concentrations was observed early during the course of treatment, usually 1 week after the first rituximab infusion. No clinical or laboratory parameter was found to predict treatment outcome. In conclusion, we confirm that rituximab can induce long-lasting responses in @entity1 with chronic @entity3039 and has a favorable side effect profile. Therefore, we suggest its use in refractory @entity3039 cases.
