title: Treatment of resistant pemphigus vulgaris with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (Rituximab).
abstract: We describe a 54-year-old man with resistant pemphigus vulgaris. Standard therapies had afforded inadequate control and have been associated with considerable side-effects. The anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, Rituximab (MabThera, Roche), was trialled with significant benefit. We discuss its potential mechanism of action.
authors.affiliation: Dermatopharmacology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
authors.forename: H L
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Cooper
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Healy
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Theaker
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Friedmann
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D001706:Biopsy; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010392:Pemphigus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000069283:Rituximab; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D000069283:Rituximab; D011239:Prednisolone