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Rituximab and Lupus – A Promising Pair?

  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (M Petri, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a clinically diverse and potentially life-threatening auto-immune disease that can affect almost any organ system. Although much is still unknown regarding its pathogenesis, B cell abnormalities are thought to be central. A high relapse rate along with the toxicity associated with conventional treatments signify the need for more tailored approaches in this very heterogeneous disease. Both its mechanism targeting B cells and a relatively large number of case series and observational studies have suggested that the B cell-depleting agent rituximab could be a potent SLE drug. However, two randomized controlled trials failed to meet efficacy endpoints. Nevertheless, rituximab has continued to be used as an off-label alternative mainly in patients refractory to conventional immunosuppressive treatment. This article will review the current role of rituximab in SLE.

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Conflict of Interest

Sara Linder Ekö declares no conflict of interest.

Ronald F. van Vollenhoven declares the receipt of consulting fees and/or honoraria from AbbVie, Biotest, BMS, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, Merck, Pfizer, Roche, UCB, and Vertex, as well as grant money paid to his institution by AbbVie, BMS, GSK, Pfizer, Roche, and UCB.

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  1. Unit for Clinical Therapy Research, Inflammatory Diseases (ClinTRID), Karolinska Institute, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden

    Sara Linder Ekö & Ronald F. van Vollenhoven

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Correspondence to Ronald F. van Vollenhoven.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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Ekö, S.L., van Vollenhoven, R.F. Rituximab and Lupus – A Promising Pair?. Curr Rheumatol Rep 16, 444 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-014-0444-5

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