Rituximab for endometriosis: Unlikely translatability from oncology due to safety concerns?

J Reprod Immunol. 2023 Aug:158:103967. doi: 10.1016/j.jri.2023.103967. Epub 2023 May 21.

Abstract

This letter discusses the article "The Effects of Rituximab on Experimental Endometriosis Model in Rats" by Dogan et al., which evaluated the potential therapeutic efficacy of rituximab in an experimental animal model of endometriosis. While the study showed promising results in decreasing the volume of endometriotic implants and differences in B-cell count and fibrosis score, rituximab is typically used as a therapy for B lymphocyte malignancies and has potential short-term and long-term side effects. Additionally, animal models for endometriosis have limitations, and novel models are still being developed. Therefore, further preclinical research is necessary to evaluate the safety and efficacy of rituximab as a potential treatment for endometriosis in humans.

Keywords: B-cells; Endometriosis; Immunomodulator drug; Medical therapy; Rituximab.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Endometriosis* / drug therapy
  • Endometriosis* / pathology
  • Endometrium / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Rats
  • Rituximab / pharmacology
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Rituximab