Rituximab: A monoclonal antibody to CD20 used in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris

BackgroundRituximab is an anti-CD20 chimeric antibody that selectively targets B lymphocytes. Recently, it has been reported to be beneficial in treating pemphigus vulgaris.ObjectiveOur aim was to review the English-language literature on the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) with rituximab and to determine its efficacy and influence on clinical outcome(s).Material and methodsA retrospective review of the literature on the use of rituximab in the treatment of PV was conducted. Seventeen patients in 10 reports were described and their data were reviewed.ResultsThe majority of patients received one course of rituximab along with conventional immunosuppressive therapy as concomitant therapy; 88% of the patients demonstrated improvement. More than half of the patients were followed up for more than 6 months after rituximab treatment; they appeared to be clinically disease free, but were still receiving conventional immunosuppressive therapy. Side effects in most patients were transient and infusion related. Serious infections occurred in 4 patients. One patient died.LimitationsThe sample size of this study is small; there is no uniformity of data collection or measurement of key and critical indices, and follow-up was limited.ConclusionRituximab may be a promising agent in treatment of PV.