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Dynamic Imaging of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cells with [18F]Tetrafluoroborate Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Published on: February 17, 2022
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Rituximab in Myasthenia Gravis - Where do we stand?
Zaeem A Siddiqi1, Wasim Khan1, Faraz S Hussain1
1Division of Neurology, Dept of Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada.
Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy
|February 10, 2021
Summary
Rituximab shows promise for myasthenia gravis (MG), especially for refractory cases or those with anti-MuSK antibodies. However, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and optimal use in MG management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder.
- Current treatments involve broad immunosuppression, with ~15% of patients showing resistance.
- Novel targeted therapies are emerging for MG management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status of Rituximab in myasthenia gravis treatment.
- To discuss its biologic features, clinical effectiveness, and safety profile.
- To compare Rituximab with other emerging immunosuppressants.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Rituximab's use in myasthenia gravis.
- Analysis of clinical effectiveness and safety data.
- Discussion of newer immunosuppressive agents.
Main Results:
- Rituximab is widely used off-label in MG, particularly for anti-MuSK positive or refractory patients.
- While offering potential benefits over conventional therapies, recent trial data has been mixed.
- Serious side effects are possible, though routine hematological monitoring is not required.
Conclusions:
- Rituximab presents a potential therapeutic option for specific MG patient subgroups.
- Significant data gaps exist due to limited randomized controlled trials.
- Further large-scale studies are essential to establish comparative efficacy and optimal dosing for Rituximab in MG.
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