Purpose: Primary ocular adnexal lymphomas are cured by radiotherapy; however, complications are frequent and relapses may occur. In this case, we aimed to report the efficacy and safety of extended systemic rituximab (anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibody) therapy of conjunctival mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma.
Methods: In the standard regimen, rituximab is used as four consecutive weekly infusions of 375 mg/m2 in patients with low-grade lymphomas. We treated a patient who had bilateral conjunctival MALT lymphoma with rituximab 375 mg/m2 intravenously once weekly for 10 weeks as a first-line therapy.
Results: During the examination of the sixth week, we observed partial response of the lesions in both eyes. At the end of the tenth cure, complete remission was achieved. No local or systemic adverse effect was observed. The patient has no signs of recurrence during the 22-months follow-up period.
Conclusion: Extended rituximab therapy may be an effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment option for bilateral conjunctival MALT lymphoma.
Keywords: Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody; Conjunctiva; Conjunctival MALT lymphoma; Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type; Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; Rituximab.