title: Update and new approaches in the treatment of Castleman disease.
abstract: First described 60 years ago, Castleman disease comprises a rare and heterogeneous cluster of disorders, characterized by lymphadenopathy with unique histological features and associated with cytokine-driven constitutional symptoms and biochemical disturbances. Although unicentric Castleman disease is curable with complete surgical excision, its multicentric counterpart is a considerable therapeutic challenge. The recent development of biological agents, particularly monoclonal antibodies to interleukin-6 and its receptor, allow for more targeted disease-specific intervention that promises improved response rates and more durable disease control; however, further work is required to fill knowledge gaps in terms of underlying pathophysiology and to facilitate alternative treatment options for refractory cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology.
authors.forename: Kah-Lok
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of Anatomical Pathology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lade
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: H Miles
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Prince
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Simon J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Harrison
keywords: Castleman disease; angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia; biologics; rituximab; siltuximab; tocilizumab