rituximabcontaining

Rituximab-containing refers to treatment regimens that include rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen on B lymphocytes. These regimens are used for diseases in which B cells play a central role, including certain cancers and autoimmune conditions.

Mechanism and scope: Rituximab binds to CD20 on B cells, promoting cell death through mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, complement-dependent cytotoxicity, and direct signaling that can lead to apoptosis. It is commonly combined with chemotherapy or other targeted therapies to form immunochemotherapy regimens, or used alongside immunomodulatory agents in autoimmune diseases.

Clinical use: In oncology, rituximab-containing regimens are standard for many B-cell malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and small lymphocytic lymphoma. Common combinations include regimens such as R-CHOP, R-CVP, and other rituximab-based therapies. In autoimmune diseases, rituximab is used in rheumatoid arthritis (often with methotrexate) and is also employed for conditions such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, and certain pemphigus disorders.

Administration and safety: Rituximab is given by intravenous infusion, with dosing and schedules varying by indication. Premedication to reduce infusion reactions is common. Safety considerations include the risk of infusion reactions, infections, hepatitis B reactivation, cytopenias, and the rare but serious progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Vaccination responses may be reduced during rituximab therapy, and patients are usually screened for hepatitis B before initiation.