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  • Title: Low-dose rituximab in adult patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia.
    Author: Zaja F, Vianelli N, Volpetti S, Battista ML, Defina M, Palmieri S, Bocchia M, Medeot M, De Luca S, Ferrara F, Isola M, Baccarani M, Fanin R.
    Journal: Eur J Haematol; 2010 Oct; 85(4):329-34. PubMed ID: 20546023.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUNDS: Rituximab 375 mg/m(2) weekly for 4 wks has significant activity in adults with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In this setting, several evidences support the possible use of lower doses of rituximab. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the activity of low-dose rituximab as salvage therapy in previously treated symptomatic ITP. METHODS: Forty-eight adult patients were treated prospectively with rituximab 100 mg weekly for 4 wks. RESULTS: Overall and complete responses (CR) (platelet level ≥ 50 and 100 × 10(9) /L) were 60.5% and 39.5%, respectively. In responders, the median time to response was 35 d (range: 7-112 d). The median time of observation was 18 months (range 3-49 months). Sixteen of 29 responding patients (55%) relapsed and 14 needed further treatments. The 12- and 24-month cumulative relapse-free survival was 61% and 45%, respectively. In univariate analysis, CR rate was in inverse relation with weight OR=0.95, CI(95%) [0.91; 0.99] (P=0.019) and age OR=0.96, CI(95%) [0.93; 0.99] (P=0.047). Cox regression model showed that relapse probability increases as weight (HR=1.06, CI(95%) [1.0031; 1.111]) and period between diagnosis and rituximab therapy (HR=1.01, CI(95%) [1.002; 1.017]) increase. One patient developed an interstitial pneumonia 1 month after the end of rituximab treatment. No other infectious, hematologic or extra-hematologic complications were documented during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose rituximab is active in ITP but has moderate long-term effect. A comparative study with standard dose is warranted.
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