IgM antibody-related polyneuropathies: B-cell depletion chemotherapy using Rituximab

TD Levine, A Pestronk - Neurology, 1999 - AAN Enterprises
TD Levine, A Pestronk
Neurology, 1999AAN Enterprises
Article abstract Current treatments for anti-GM1 ganglioside or antimyelin-associated
glycoprotein (anti-MAG) antibody-associated polyneuropathies are toxic or very costly. In
this preliminary study the authors treated five patients with neuropathy and immunoglobulin
M antibodies to GM1 ganglioside or MAG by depleting B cells using Rituximab—a
monoclonal antibody directed against the B-cell surface membrane marker CD20. Within 3
to 6 months after treatment, all five patients had improved function, significantly increased …
Article abstract Current treatments for anti-GM1 ganglioside or antimyelin-associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) antibody-associated polyneuropathies are toxic or very costly. In this preliminary study the authors treated five patients with neuropathy and immunoglobulin M antibodies to GM1 ganglioside or MAG by depleting B cells using Rituximab—a monoclonal antibody directed against the B-cell surface membrane marker CD20. Within 3 to 6 months after treatment, all five patients had improved function, significantly increased quantitative strength measurements, and reduced titers of serum autoantibodies.
American Academy of Neurology