title: Progression of classic Kaposi's sarcoma with rituximab.
abstract: Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen of B cells and is being used increasingly for treatment of antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. We observed the rapid progression of Kaposi's sarcoma after our patient received rituximab for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. We postulate that by very specifically depleting B cells, rituximab affects T-cell function (eliminating B- and T-cell interactions), resulting in impaired T-cell-mediated immunity. Dermatologists should use caution when offering rituximab for off-label use.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Keri S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Clifford
authors.forename: Marie-France
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Demierre
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000744:Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / Q000188:drug therapy; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D000069283:Rituximab; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab