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International Journal of Hematology
Published in: International Journal of Hematology 5/2011

01-05-2011 | Progress in Hematology

Rituximab for prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease

Authors: Mohamed A. Kharfan-Dabaja, Corey S. Cutler

Published in: International Journal of Hematology | Issue 5/2011

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Abstract

Growing understanding of the important role of B lymphocytes in alloreactivity has paved the way for evaluating anti-B cell therapy with rituximab in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Data suggesting a beneficial reduction in incidence and severity of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) are limited to non-randomized studies from single institutions using higher than conventional doses of rituximab. Additionally, rituximab is used as an effective treatment of corticosteroid-refractory chronic GVHD with good responses, particularly in cases of dermatologic and mucosal involvement. Post-transplant administration of rituximab appears to reduce the rate of chronic GVHD in preliminary studies.
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Metadata
Title
Rituximab for prevention and treatment of graft-versus-host disease
Authors
Mohamed A. Kharfan-Dabaja
Corey S. Cutler
Publication date
01-05-2011
Publisher
Springer Japan
Published in
International Journal of Hematology / Issue 5/2011
Print ISSN: 0925-5710
Electronic ISSN: 1865-3774
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-011-0855-2

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