Q&A

Is rituximab approved for ITP?

Is rituximab approved for ITP?

In recent years, rituximab, (17, 18) has become a widely used treatment option for chronic ITP (19–25) Forty to sixty percent of chronic ITP patients achieve a partial or complete platelet response following their initial 4 infusions with standard dose rituximab.

What does rituximab do for ITP?

Goals of therapy: For patients given rituximab for ITP, the result can be an increase the number of platelets in the blood when platelets are low. By increasing the platelet count to a goal of usually 50 k/μL or higher, the risk of bruising and bleeding (both spontaneous and injury-induced) is decreased.

How long does rituximab take to work for ITP?

Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting a B-cell antigen (CD20) that has been used widely as a second line therapy for ITP with a promising response rate approaching 60% in some studies. A response is usually seen between week one to eight of therapy and could last for five years in some patients.

How long does it take Rituxan to raise platelets?

Three different patterns of response can be distinguished: a first group of patients respond rapidly, within the first month; in the second group, the platelet count starts increasing after 3-4 weeks, and a CR is achieved within 8 weeks after treatment; in the third group of patients, the platelet count increases very …

What is the success rate of rituximab?

Rituximab with bendamustine (Treanda, Cephalon) was studied in a phase 2 trial in patients with relapsed disease. This combination was found to be very effective, with an ORR of 92%.

Does Rituxan increase platelets?

The short-term response rate for rituximab is about 60 percent. Approximately 25 percent of patients achieve a longer-term (five year) rise in platelet count. To enhance the response, rituximab is sometimes used in combination with dexamethasone (a corticosteroid similar to prednisone) in newly diagnosed patients.

How long are you immunosuppressed after rituximab?

Repopulation of B-cells after complete depletion was seen at a mean time of 11.8 months after the end rituximab therapy.

What does rituximab do to your body?

Rituximab is used to treat certain types of cancer (such as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. Some brands of rituximab are also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and can decrease joint pain and swelling.

Can you live a long life with ITP?

There’s no cure for ITP. However, this doesn’t mean that ITP is fatal. Mortality directly related to ITP is rare, per a study published in the American Journal of Hematology . Your life expectancy depends on your treatment plan and reduced risks for life-threatening complications, such as a brain hemorrhage.

How effective is Rituximab for ITP?

The use of rituximab for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is relatively effective, but is not a first-line treatment. Most patients with ITP respond positively to a splenectomy and require no further treatment following the surgery.

Is Rituxan approved for ITP?

The most common B-Cell Lymphocyte Depletion Therapy used to treat ITP is the intravenous infusion drug rituximab (Rituxan® and MabThera®). Known as a monoclonal antibody, rituximab was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 for use in the treatment of mild cases of B-cell non-Hodgkin Lymphoma…

How will I feel after a Rituxan infusion?

Some patients feel mild side effects during or up to 24 hours after receiving rituximab. These usually occur with the first infusion, and can include mild throat tightening, flu-like symptoms, rash, itchiness, dizziness, back pain, nausea, upset stomach, sweating, nervousness, muscle stiffness, and numbness.