Induction of complete haematological remission after monotherapy with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (RITUXIMAB) in a patient with alkylating agent resistant Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.
Response of Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia to chemotherapy with alkylating agents is usually only transient. We report a case with marked bone marrow involvement and resistance to chemotherapy with alkylating agents. The patient was red cell and platelet transfusion dependent. Three weeks after rituximab-monotherapy, he achieved a complete haematological remission which is continuing 6 months after the end of therapy. Our case demonstrates that treatment with the unconjugated anti-CD20-monoclonal antibody (rituximab) may be a new powerful tool for a better treatment of Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia.
Weide
R
R
Haematology/Oncology Group Practice, Koblenz, Germany.
Heymanns
J
J
Köppler
H
H
D000368:Aged; D000477:Alkylating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20 / Q000032:analysis; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000069283:Rituximab; D008258:Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*
D000477:Alkylating Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018951:Antigens, CD20; D000069283:Rituximab