Rituximab.
Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 molecule on the B-cell surface. It is the first antibody of its kind to be licensed for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Rituximab was found to be effective, well-tolerated and has a good safety profile, though its precise cellular effects are still not well understood. Rituximab has been shown to be of therapeutic benefit in various autoimmune diseases in which B lymphocytes play a role. This article summarizes the current literature regarding the use of rituximab in lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and other selected autoimmune diseases.
Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111, USA.
Tanya
T
Doan
Elena
E
Massarotti
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D016393:Lymphoma, B-Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000069283:Rituximab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000069283:Rituximab