1. Titrating rituximab to circulating B cells to optimize lymphocytolytic therapy in idiopathic membranous nephropathy.
- Author
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Cravedi P, Ruggenenti P, Sghirlanzoni MC, and Remuzzi G
- Subjects
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived, Cohort Studies, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Rituximab, Antibodies, Monoclonal administration & dosage, B-Lymphocytes, Glomerulonephritis, Membranous blood, Glomerulonephritis, Membranous drug therapy, Immunologic Factors administration & dosage, Lymphocyte Depletion methods
- Abstract
Background and Objectives: Rituximab, given in four weekly doses, is a promising treatment for idiopathic membranous nephropathy and other immune-mediated diseases and lymphoproliferative disorders. This multidose regimen, however, may cause hypersensitivity reactions and is extremely expensive. This study was aimed at evaluating whether titrating rituximab to circulating CD20 B cells may improve safety and limit costs of treatment., Design, Setting, Participants, & Measurements: In a matched-cohort, single-center, controlled study, the outcome of 12 new incident patients who had idiopathic membranous nephropathy and nephrotic syndrome and received a B cell-driven treatment was compared with that of 24 historical reference patients who were given the standard protocol of four weekly doses of 375 mg/m2., Results: Only one patient needed a second dose to achieve full CD20 cell depletion. At 1 yr, time course of the components of nephrotic syndrome and the proportion of patients who achieved disease remission (25%) was identical in both groups. Persistent CD20 cell depletion was achieved in all patients. Costs for rituximab treatment and hospitalizations totalled 3770.90 euros ($4902.20) and 13,977.60 euros ($18,170.80) with the B cell-driven and the four-dose protocol, respectively. One patient on standard protocol had a severe adverse reaction at second rituximab dose. Thus, B cell titrated as effectively as standard rituximab treatment achieves B cell depletion and idiopathic membranous nephropathy remission but is fourfold less expensive, allowing for more than 10,000 euros, approximately $13,000 in savings per patient., Conclusions: Avoiding unnecessary reexposure to rituximab is extremely cost-saving and may limit the production of antichimeric antibodies that may increase the risk for adverse reactions and prevent re-treatment of disease recurrences.
- Published
- 2007
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