Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Hemophilia A ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Rituximab

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy of combination chemoimmunotherapy of fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

METHODSTwenty-one patients with CLL were treated with FCR regimen which consisted of fludarabine (25 mg/m(2), days 2 to 4), cyclophosphamide (250 mg/m(2), days 2 to 4) and rituximab (375 mg/m(2), day 1) in a course of 28 days. The minimal residual disease (MRD) was determined by multiparameter flow cytometry. The correlation between the pretreatment characteristics and complete remission (CR) rate was analyzed.

RESULTSEleven patients (52.4%) achieved CR, 7 (33.3%) achieved partial remission (PR) with a overall response (OR) rate of 85.7%. With a median follow-up time of 19 (7 - 73) months, the overall survival (OS) was 86.0%, and the progression-free survival (PFS) was 72.0%. Pretreatment parameters independently associated with higher CR rates were Binet stage A + B, IgVH mutated and ZAP-70 less than 20%. MRD was less than 1% in 6 patients. The most common toxicities were myelosuppression and gastrointestinal reaction.

CONCLUSIONFCR is an effective regimen for CLL patients.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; administration & dosage ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Cyclophosphamide ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rituximab ; Treatment Outcome ; Vidarabine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by a progressive accumulation of lymphocytes, which occurs predominantly in elderly patients. As present one of the major problems in the treatment of CLL is low complete remission rate, others are complication and toxicity of drugs, such as myelosuppression, infections and disorder of immunosystem function, especially in elderly patients. This study reported that a 74-year-old male patient with B-CLL effectively and safely was treated with fludarabine (nucleatide reductase inhibitor), rituximab (anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) and amifostine. The patient was given fludarabine and rituximab in standard dose, but the time of drug given is different from conventional treatment, it was adjusted according to the patient status. The results showed that no chill, fever and infection occurred during treatment. Furthermore, blood cell count and hemoglobin level recovered to normal after the end of treatment. In conclusion, the individualized protocol of fludarabine combined with rituximab and amifostine showed the safety and effectiveness for treatment of aged patient with CLL. Amifostine is drug known as chemoprotectants, can alleviate or eliminate the immunological disorder from CLL and the adverse effects from chemotherapy, such as myelosuppression, infection, fever and so on.
Aged ; Amifostine ; administration & dosage ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; administration & dosage ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell ; drug therapy ; Male ; Rituximab ; Treatment Outcome ; Vidarabine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives

Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Connective Tissue Diseases ; complications ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Diseases ; complications ; Middle Aged ; Rituximab ; Thrombocytopenia ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and safety as well as the effects of lower dose of rituximab on B-lymphocytes, serum immunoglobulin, and platelet glycoprotein-specific antibodies in patients with chronic refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

METHODSTwenty chronic refractory ITP patients, median age 47 (20 to 60) years old, received intravenous rituximab at the dose of 100mg once weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. Laboratory studies included complete blood cell count, regular monitoring of liver and kidney functions, blood coagulation and serum concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA. CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+), CD20(+) cell numbers were assayed by flow cytometry prior to and following rituximab. Platelet glycoprotein antibodies were detected by ELISA. The detection of indicators were compared by paired T test, with P < 0.05 as statistically significant.

RESULTSThere was significant difference of the average platelet count between prior- \[(13 ± 5) × 10(9)/L\] and post-treatment \[(124 ± 106) × 10(9)/L\] with lower dose rituximab (P < 0.01). Reaching PLT peak period was of (24 ± 7) d with median time of 18 d. The responses were of 11(55%) CR, 4 (20%) R and 5 (25%) NR, respectively, with median response duration of 8 months (5 - 23 months). There were no significant changes of peripheral blood white blood cell count, hemoglobin, serum immunoglobulin, as well as CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+) lymphocyte counts during prior- and post-treatment. CD19(+)/CD20(+) cells were almost depleted in all patients \[(125.65 ± 14.12) × 10(6)/L vs (50.53 ± 29.11) × 10(6)/L, P < 0.01)\]. Expectedly, three cases of positive detection of platelet antibodies were negative after 4 weeks of lower dose of rituximab; one patient experienced infusion-related reaction.

CONCLUSIONTreatment with lower dose rituximab may be an effective and safe approach in patient with chronic refractory ITP. However, the optimal therapeutic schedule, long-term efficacy and adverse events need further investigation.

Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; drug therapy ; prevention & control ; Recurrence ; Rituximab ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy of two different regimens of low doses rituximab for the treatment of adult patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

METHODSFifty-one patients were enrolled in this study and was non-randomly assigned to receive 100 mg rituximab weekly for 4 weeks (group A, 31 cases) or a single dose of 375 mg/m2 rituximab (group B, 20 cases).

RESULTSFor group A: Overall and complete response (OR and CR) rates were 58% and 29% , respectively. In responders, the median time to response was 42 (10 -101) days, with a median follow-up time of 15 (10 - 16) months, 3 of 18 responders (17%) relapsed. For group B: OR and CR rates were 50% and 35% , respectively. In responders, the median time to response was 35 (18 - 108) days, with a median follow-up time of 13 (6 -17) months, 1 of 9 responders (11%) relapsed. No significant difference in the OR, CR, the relapse rate and relapse free survival was observed in patients between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONThe low dose rituximab regimen (100 mg weekly for 4 weeks or a single close of 375 mg/m2) may be a useful alternative therapy in patients with ITP.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rituximab ; Thrombocytopenia ; drug therapy ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of rituximab on B-lymphocytes and anti-platelet glycoprotein-specific antibodies in patients with refractory primary immune thrombocytopenic (ITP).

METHODSThirty-one ITP patients with a median age of 36 years (range 16 - 56 years) received solely intravenous rituximab at the dose of 375 mg/m(2) once weekly for consecutive 4 weeks. Lab studies included complete blood count, serum concentrations of IgG, IgM and IgA. CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+), CD19(+) and CD20(+) cell numbers were assayed by flow cytometry and anti-platelet glycoprotein-specific antibodies (GPIIb/IIIa, GPIb/IX) were assayed by monoclonal antibody-specific immobilisation of platelet antigens (MAIPA) prior to and following rituximab therapy. The response was evaluated according to the response criteria of international working group of ITP.

RESULTSComplete responses were achieved in 12 cases, response in 7 cases, and no response in 12 cases. Responses were sustained 2 to 28 months (median 6 months) with 4 cases relapsed. After 4 weeks of rituximab therapy, GPIIb/IIIa and GPIb/IX disappeared in responded patients, and CD 19(+)/CD20(+) cells were almost depleted in all patients. As expected, the serum concentrations of IgG, IgM, IgA, and the T cell counts were not changed after therapy. Four patients developed infusion-related reaction, 1 impaired renal function, and 3 secondary infections.

CONCLUSIONRituximab is effective and safe, and the adverse reaction is tolerable.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; drug therapy ; Recurrence ; Rituximab ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the clinical features and treatment outcome of children with mature B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (B-NHL).

METHODSA total of 28 previously untreated children with mature B-NHL were enrolled and given the chemotherapy regimen of CCCG-B-NHL-2010. Among them, 20 were given rituximab in addition to chemotherapy. The children were followed up for 31 months (ranged 4-70 months). A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical features of these children. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. A univariate analysis was performed to investigate the prognostic factors.

RESULTSAmong the 28 children, 17 (61%) had Burkitt lymphoma, 8 (29%) had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and 3 (11%) had unclassifiable B-cell lymphoma. As for the initial symptom, 13 (46%) had cervical mass, 10 (36%) had maxillofacial mass, 9 (32%) had hepatosplenomegaly, 5 (18%) had abdominal mass, and 5 (18%) had exophthalmos. Of all children, 14 had a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level of <500 IU/L, 3 had a level of 500-1 000 IU/L, and 11 had a level of ≥ 1 000 IU/L. After two courses of chemotherapy, 21 children achieved complete remission and 7 achieved partial remission. At the end of follow-up, 24 achieved continuous complete remission and 4 experienced recurrence. The 2-year event-free survival rate was (85.7± 6.6)%. The children with bone marrow infiltration suggested by bone marrow biopsy, serum LDH ≥500 IU/L, and bone marrow tumor cells >25% had a low 2-year cumulative survival rate.

CONCLUSIONSThe CCCG-B-NHL 2010 chemotherapy regimen combined with rituximab has a satisfactory effect in the treatment of children with B-NHL. Bone marrow infiltration on bone marrow biopsy is associated with poor prognosis.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; administration & dosage ; Bone Marrow ; pathology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; mortality ; pathology ; Male ; Prognosis ; Progression-Free Survival ; Retrospective Studies ; Rituximab ; administration & dosage ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of rituximab (RTX) in children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.

METHODFive cases of children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome seen from May 2012 to February 2013 in whom only steroid plus calcineurin inhibitor was effective and the disease recurred on reduction of dose were enrolled into this study, including 3 males and 2 females. Calcineurin inhibitors were stopped and steroids was changed to full dose. After the general condition improved, RTX was given at a dose of 375 mg/m(2), once a week for a total of three times for one course. After urine protein became negative for five days, the dose of steroid was changed to 2 mg/kg every other day, thereafter the dose was reduced by 5 mg per every 2 weeks, until discontinuation. After regular monitoring, when peripheral blood B cells were ≥ 3%, a second RTX was added.

RESULTUrine protein was negative in 2-7 days in 5 patients after the first RTX treatment. Before treatment B lymphocytes in peripheral blood was 7.8% to 13.0% and after the first course of RTX treatment decreased to 0 in the first 6 to 8 months at the beginning of recovery, while in the first 7 to 10 months to 3.3%-6.1%, after a second RTX was given, B lymphocytes were reduced to 0, but in two cases (cases 1 and 3) B lymphocytes rose again at 16 and 17 months, in the first 17 and 18 months rose to 4.16% and 4.17%, RTX was given once again respectively. B lymphocytes were reduced to 0 again. Currently the 5 patients continued to be negative for urine protein, maintaining remission for 12 to 20 months.RTX infusion had no significant side effects, and side effects of steroid and calcineurin inhibitor disappeared.

CONCLUSIONIn children with steroid-dependent and only calcineurin inhibitor effective nephritic syndrome, relapse may still occur after improvement of nephrotic syndrome, after the first RTX treatment, regular monitoring of B lymphocytes, RTX supplementary treatment in advance can help discontinuation of steroids and immunosuppressive agents and maintain remission.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Antigens, CD19 ; metabolism ; B-Lymphocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Calcineurin Inhibitors ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Lymphocyte Count ; Male ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Proteinuria ; urine ; Recurrence ; Remission Induction ; Rituximab ; Treatment Outcome

In order to evaluate the efficiency of rituximab combined with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) regimen for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Five patients with CLL were treated with FCR regimen for 2 - 6 courses. FCR regimen included fludarabine 25 mg/m(2) via intravenous drip at day 2 - 4, cyclophosphamide 250 mg/m(2) via intravenous drip at day 2 - 4 and rituximab 375 mg/m(2) via intravenous drip at day 1. Courses were repeated every 4 weeks. Minimal residual disease (MRD) was determined by multiparametic flow cytometry. The results showed that three patients achieved complete remission, 2 patients achieved partial remission. MRD was negative in two patients. In conclusion, FCR is an effective therapeutic regimen for treating CLL patients and is worth to be used in clinic.
Adult ; Aged ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; administration & dosage ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Cyclophosphamide ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell ; drug therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Remission Induction ; Rituximab ; Vidarabine ; administration & dosage ; analogs & derivatives