B cell depletion therapy in rheumatic disease
JCW Edwards, G Cambridge, MJ Leandro - Best Practice & Research …, 2006 - Elsevier
B cell depletion therapy was introduced for auto-antibody associated rheumatic disease in
1998. Encouraging pilot studies in rheumatoid arthritis were followed by randomised
controlled trials confirming major benefit. Licensing for use in patients unable to benefit from
tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) neutralising agents is envisaged shortly. Open studies
in other disorders, in particular systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), have also suggested
benefit and its use in life-threatening situations is becoming widespread. Toxicity appears to …
1998. Encouraging pilot studies in rheumatoid arthritis were followed by randomised
controlled trials confirming major benefit. Licensing for use in patients unable to benefit from
tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) neutralising agents is envisaged shortly. Open studies
in other disorders, in particular systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), have also suggested
benefit and its use in life-threatening situations is becoming widespread. Toxicity appears to …
