Off-label use of rituximab in systemic rheumatic diseases: case series and review

Acta Reumatol Port. 2013 Oct-Dec;38(4):290-4.

Abstract

B-cells play an important role not only in cellular but also in humoral immunity through differentiation into plasma cells and antibody production. B-cell depletion may, theoretically, change the course of systemic rheumatic diseases (SRD) in which self-reactive antibodies are part of the pathogenic pathway. In Rheumatology, anti-B-cell antibody Rituximab is currently licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, however there is growing evidence of its potential use in other SRD. The authors present a case series of eight patients in which Rituximab was used off-label including overlap syndrome Rhupus, systemic lupus erythematosus and Wegener's granulomatosis. In the end, a brief literature review about this subject is performed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • B-Lymphocytes
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Off-Label Use*
  • Rheumatic Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Rituximab