[Novel treatment of Graves' disease using the B-lymphocyte depleting agent rituximab].
Graves' disease (GD) is caused by autoantibodies to the thyrotropin receptor (TRAb). In a controlled study using the B-lymphocyte depleting agent rituximab (RTX), an RTX-specific effect was found on long-term remission following methimazole (MMI) therapy. However, benefits were limited to patients with low baseline TRAb levels, and the decrease in TRAb levels observed after treatment with RTX in combination with MMI was no greater than that observed after treatment with MMI alone. Considering its price and adverse effect profile, RTX therapy does not seem to be a relevant treatment option in uncomplicated GD. The potential use of other immunomodulatory agents in GD is discussed.
Rigshospitalet, Vaevstypelaboratoriet Afsnit 7631, København Ø. claus.henrik.nielsen@rh.regionh.dk
Claus Henrik
CH
Nielsen
Daniel
D
El Fassi
Laszlo
L
Hegedüs
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D013956:Antithyroid Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006111:Graves Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008713:Methimazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069283:Rituximab; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D013956:Antithyroid Agents; D001323:Autoantibodies; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab; D008713:Methimazole