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Rituximab in cutaneous B-cell lymphoma: a report of two cases
R A Sabroe1, F J Child, A J Woolford
1Skin Tumour Unit, St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital (GKT), London SE1 7EH, U.K.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|July 25, 2000
Summary
Rituximab, an anti-CD20 antibody, showed variable efficacy in two patients with primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. While one patient had significant improvement, both eventually relapsed, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma (PCBCL) is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, is effective in systemic lymphomas but its use in PCBCL is not well-documented.
Observation:
- Two patients with PCBCL were treated with rituximab.
- The first patient had diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the lower leg; the second had high-grade transformed PCBCL with systemic spread.
Findings:
- The first patient achieved an 85% improvement, while the second had a 30% response.
- Both patients relapsed after initial treatment.
- The first patient achieved complete remission with a second rituximab course combined with chemotherapy, but relapsed again.
Implications:
- Rituximab demonstrates some activity in PCBCL, but responses can be variable and often temporary.
- Further investigation is warranted to establish optimal treatment strategies for PCBCL using rituximab, potentially in combination therapies.