CNS Oncology (Jul 2018)

Rapid infusion rituximab is well tolerated in patients with primary CNS lymphoma

  • Lisa Modelevsky,
  • Richard Tizon,
  • Samantha N Reiss,
  • Marcel Smith,
  • Rachel Garonce,
  • Thomas Kaley

DOI
https://doi.org/10.2217/cns-2018-0001
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 7, no. 3

Abstract

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Aim: To establish the safety and feasibility of rapidly infusing rituximab over 90 min in patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL). Patients & methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with PCNSL who received rapid rituximab infusions (RRI) from January 2016 to January 2017. Primary end point was incidence of infusion reactions. Results & conclusion: 11 patients received a total of 44 RRIs. Rituximab was dosed at 500 or 750 mg/m2. Premedication included acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. No infusion reactions occurred during any RRI. Two infusions were administered with steroids for neurologic symptoms at baseline (4.5%). Rapid administration of rituximab was safe and feasible for patients with PCNSL and at the higher doses received.

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