Single agent efficacy of rituximab in childhood immunosuppression related lymphoproliferative disease: a United Kingdom Children's Cancer Study Group (UKCCSG) retrospective review

Leuk Lymphoma. 2006 Dec;47(12):2584-9. doi: 10.1080/10428190600908349.

Abstract

Survival in childhood lymphoproliferative disease (LPD) remains poor, particularly in non-transplant patients. The anti-CD20 antibody rituximab shows promise but data in children is scant. A retrospective study of 22 (aged 11 months to 18 years) children treated with rituximab is presented. Two had primary immunodeficiency, two had prolonged immunosuppression and 18 had post-transplant LPD (eight bone marrow, five liver, four heart, one kidney). Nine patients had multi-organ involvement and 13 single site disease. Seventeen out of 22 had rituximab alone. In 16, a dose of 375 mg/m2 i.v. weekly was used (less in one patient due to renal dysfunction). Twelve patients received four courses and ten patients received one to three courses. Fever was the main side-effect in four. Eight (47%) had single agent response; four complete and four partial. All had other treatment prior to rituximab. Median follow-up was 35 months (range 22 - 47 months). In childhood LPD unresponsive to standard treatment, rituximab showed single agent response and requires further evaluation.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Infant
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rituximab
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Rituximab