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Related Topics:Rituximab
.png | CAS_number = 174722-31-7 | ATC_prefix = L01 | ATC_suffix = XC02 | ATC_supplemental = | PubChem = | DrugBank = BTD00014 | chemical_formula = C6416H9874N1688O1987S44 | molecular_weight = 143859.7 g/mol | bioavailability = | protein_bound = | metabolism = | elimination_half-life = | pregnancy_category = | legal_status = | routes_of_administration = }} Rituximab, sold under the trade names Rituxan® and MabThera®, is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, B cell leukemia, and some autoimmune disorders.
History
Rituximab initially was approved by the FDA in 1997 for lymphoma that was refractory to other chemotherapy regimens. The original approval followed the availability of the McLaughlin et alMcLaughlin P, Grillo-Lopez AJ, Link BK, Levy R, Czuczman MS, Williams ME, Heyman MR, Bence-Bruckler I, White CA, Cabanillas F, Jain V, Ho AD, Lister J, Wey K, Shen D, Dallaire BK. Rituximab chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy for relapsed indolent lymphoma: half of patients respond to a four-dose treatment program. J Clin Oncol 1998;16:2825-33. PMID 9704735. study data. It now is standard therapy in the initial treatment of aggressive lymphomas (e.g. diffuse large B cell lymphoma) in combination with CHOP chemotherapy.
Mechanism
The antibody binds to the cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20) found on the surface of B cells, flagging them for destruction by the body's own immune system. This eliminates B cells (including the cancerous ones) from the body, allowing a new population of healthy B cells to develop from lymphoid stem cells. The actual mechanisms for Rituximab to eliminate B cells includes the induction of ADCC, CDC, and apoptosis.
Non-cancer use
Rituximab has been found to be effective in the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) in various trials.Braendstrup P, Bjerrum OW, Nielsen OJ, Jensen BA, Clausen NT, Hansen PB, Andersen I, Schmidt K, Andersen TM, Peterslund NA, Birgens HS, Plesner T, Pedersen BB, Hasselbalch HC. Rituximab chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody treatment for adult refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. Am J Hematol 2005;78:275-80. PMID 15795920. It also seems to be effective in threatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. February 2006, the FDA approved Rituxan in combination with methotrexate for the treatment of moderately- to severely-active rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have had an inadequate response to one or more TNF antagonist therapies - per the Genentech website
Transplant use
Rituximab is now being used in the management of Renal Transplant recipients. This drug is especially useful in transplants involving incompatible blood groups. It is also used as induction therapy in highly sensitised patients going for renal translplantation.
External link
References
"Rituximab"