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Neutrophil Isolation and Analysis to Determine their Role in Lymphoma Cell Sensitivity to Therapeutic Agents
Published on: March 25, 2016
Delayed-onset neutropenia associated with rituximab therapy
Kritika Chaiwatanatorn1, Newton Lee, Andrew Grigg
1Department of Haematology, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Victoria 3065, Australia.
British Journal of Haematology
|June 6, 2003
Summary
Severe neutropenia can occur months after rituximab treatment, particularly in non-Hodgkin
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used in treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Delayed-onset neutropenia is a potential adverse effect of rituximab therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize severe neutropenia with delayed onset after rituximab administration.
- To investigate the clinical course and potential mechanisms of this adverse event.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 53 patients treated with rituximab.
- Evaluation of neutrophil counts, bone marrow findings, and immune status.
Main Results:
- Eight episodes of grade 4 neutropenia occurred 1-5 months post-rituximab.
- Neutropenia was linked to neutrophil precursor depletion and disordered immune status (lymphopenia, hypogammaglobulinaemia).
- Episodes resolved spontaneously or with filgrastim treatment.
Conclusions:
- Delayed-onset severe neutropenia is a rare but significant complication of rituximab.
- The mechanism may involve immune dysregulation or lymphocyte subset imbalance induced by rituximab.
- Close monitoring of neutrophil counts is recommended following rituximab therapy.
