Mo202rituximab Treatment in Nephrology

Abstract

Background and Aims The B cells have a central role in the pathogenesis of several renal pathologies. Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 receptor expressed on the surface of B cells is an interesting alternative to conventional treatments of kidney pathologies. Method We conducted a descriptive retrospective study of the use of rituximab in nephrology patients. Results We collected 25 patients including 12 women and 13 men. The mean age was 33,5 [16-55] years. The rituximab was indicated for an extramembranous glomerulopathy in 6 patients, a focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in 4 patients, a minimal change disease in 4 patients, a lupus nephritis in 5 patients, and a granulomatosis with polyangiitis in 2 patients. Four kidney transplant patient received rituximab for the treatment of antibody mediated rejection in 3 cases and large cell lymphoma in 1 case. The average time between the diagnosis of the renal disease and starting treatment with rituximab was of 76 +/- 46,5 months. And it was of 16 [ 0,7 ; 59,8] months after transplantation in kidney transplant recipients. Side effects have been observed in 11 cases (44%). A favorable response has been obtained in 10 cases (40 %), within an average of 2,27 months, with at least one relapse in 4 cases. The follow-up time was 36,33 +/- 31,67 months. Conclusion Rituximab has been shown to be helpful in several cases of kidney disease. It may reduce the need for maintenance immunosuppression and help in some cases that are refractory to other therapies.

Repurposing of rituximab biosimilars to treat B cell mediated autoimmune diseases

“…Repurposing of rituximab within this discipline is promising as 71% (5/7) of the identified indications showed a favorable response to off‐label therapy (Table S10). Accordingly, rituximab use in nephrology is increasing 170,171 . The term glomerulonephritis refers to a group of kidney disorders characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli.…”

“…Accordingly, rituximab use in nephrology is increasing. 170,171 The term glomerulonephritis refers to a group of kidney disorders characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli. A subset of these renal, or glomerular, diseases involves immune-complex deposition within damaged kidney components.…”

Repurposing of rituximab biosimilars to treat B cell mediated autoimmune diseases

“…Accordingly, rituximab use in nephrology is increasing. 133,134 B cell clonal expansion has been observed in the blood and/or renal tissue of patients with glomerulonephritis, which rituximab targets. [135][136][137][138][139][140] Glomerulonephritis (i.e., inflammation of the glomeruli) is characterized by pathogenic fibril deposition within damaged kidney components as a consequence of autoimmune processes governed by B cells.…”