OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term activity and toxicity profile of rituximab in adult patients with idiopathic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with active and symptomatic ITP relapsed or refractory received weekly infusions of rituximab 375 mg/m(2) for 4 wk. Median time from diagnosis to rituximab was 34.5 months. The following parameters of efficacy and toxicity were considered: complete response (CR) and partial response (PR), relapse rate, relapse-free survival (RFS), therapy-free survival (TFS), short- and long-term toxicity. RESULTS: CR and PR were 14/26 (54%) and 4/26 (15%), respectively. Median time of observation was 56.5 months (range 39-77). Nine of the 18 responding patients relapsed after a median of 21 months (range 8-66); 9/26 patients (35%) maintained the response, with a median follow-up of 57 months (range 39-69), and 11/26 (42%) did not necessitate further therapy; estimated 5 yr RFS and TFS were 61% and 72%, respectively. Younger age and shorter interval from diagnosis to rituximab appeared indicators of better outcome. Rituximab administration was associated with two episodes of short-term toxicity, with one case of serum sickness syndrome; no infectious or other significant long-term complications were documented. CONCLUSION: Rituximab therapy may achieve long-lasting remission in nearly one-third of patients with relapsed or refractory ITP, with a good safety profile.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term activity and toxicity profile of rituximab in adult patients with idiopathic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients with active and symptomatic ITP relapsed or refractory received weekly infusions of rituximab 375 mg/m(2) for 4 wk. Median time from diagnosis to rituximab was 34.5 months. The following parameters of efficacy and toxicity were considered: complete response (CR) and partial response (PR), relapse rate, relapse-free survival (RFS), therapy-free survival (TFS), short- and long-term toxicity. RESULTS:CR and PR were 14/26 (54%) and 4/26 (15%), respectively. Median time of observation was 56.5 months (range 39-77). Nine of the 18 responding patients relapsed after a median of 21 months (range 8-66); 9/26 patients (35%) maintained the response, with a median follow-up of 57 months (range 39-69), and 11/26 (42%) did not necessitate further therapy; estimated 5 yr RFS and TFS were 61% and 72%, respectively. Younger age and shorter interval from diagnosis to rituximab appeared indicators of better outcome. Rituximab administration was associated with two episodes of short-term toxicity, with one case of serum sickness syndrome; no infectious or other significant long-term complications were documented. CONCLUSION:Rituximab therapy may achieve long-lasting remission in nearly one-third of patients with relapsed or refractory ITP, with a good safety profile.
Authors: Jaap J Zwaginga; Bronno van der Holt; Peter A Te Boekhorst; Bart J Biemond; Mark-David Levin; René van der Griend; Anneke Brand; Sonja Zweegman; Hans F M Pruijt; Vera M J Novotny; Art Vreugdenhil; Marco R de Groot; Okke de Weerdt; Elisabeth C M van Pampus; Tanja M van Maanen-Lamme; Shulamiet Wittebol; Martin R Schipperus; Matthijs H Silbermann; Peter C Huijgens; Marleen Luten; Rene Hollestein; Jan A C Brakenhoff; Jolanda G Schrama; Fransje A A Valster; Gerjo A Velders; Harry R Koene Journal: Haematologica Date: 2014-11-25 Impact factor: 9.941
Authors: Karen K W Wang; Cathy Charles; Nancy M Heddle; Emmy Arnold; Laura Molnar; Donald M Arnold Journal: Health Expect Date: 2012-08-07 Impact factor: 3.377