CD19 mRNA quantification improves rituximab treatment-to-target approach: a proof of concept study

J Neuroimmunol. 2014 Dec 15;277(1-2):127-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2014.09.008. Epub 2014 Sep 20.

Abstract

We compared pre-amplification (PA) RT-PCR blood CD19 mRNA quantification with flow cytometry (FC), to personalize rituximab re-treatment in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) patients. 47 blood samples from 3 NMOSDs patients were studied. PA-RT-PCR quantified CD19 in all samples, and a positivity threshold was defined, whereas CD19+ B cells were under threshold in 31/47 samples by FC. In all samples where CD19+ B cells were above FC threshold, they resulted above the PA-RT-PCR threshold. CD19 mRNA was above threshold in 8 other samples, resulted negative by FC, and preceded the FC positivity in 7/8 samples by 1-3 months, showing major sensitivity.

Keywords: CD19+ B cells; Flow cytometry; Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders; Pre-amplification-real time-PCR; Rituximab re-treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived / therapeutic use*
  • Antigens, CD19 / genetics*
  • Antigens, CD19 / metabolism
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • B-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neuromyelitis Optica / drug therapy*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Reference Values
  • Rituximab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antigens, CD19
  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Rituximab