Long-term B-lymphocyte depletion with rituximab in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe 2 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) receiving long-term treatment with the monoclonal antibody rituximab. The clinical and paraclinical efficacy of rituximab was demonstrated recently in a phase 2 clinical trial in patients with RRMS.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
Tertiary care university medical center.


METHODS
Two young patients with highly active RRMS in whom standard therapy had failed before receiving rituximab for up to 48 months.


METHODS
Relapse rate, clinical disability, and results of magnetic resonance imaging.


RESULTS
Both patients tolerated rituximab treatment well and have been clinically stable throughout the study period.


CONCLUSIONS
Long-term therapy with rituximab appears safe and effective in some patients with RRMS. Our observation should be confirmed in controlled long-term trials.
Stüve
Olaf
O
Division of Neurology, Medicine Service, Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Leussink
Verena I
VI
Fröhlich
Ruth
R
Hemmer
Bernhard
B
Hartung
Hans-Peter
HP
Menge
Til
T
Kieseier
Bernd C
BC
D000328:Adult; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D015536:Down-Regulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D020529:Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000069283:Rituximab; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013995:Time; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D058846:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D000069283:Rituximab