Is It Time to Reconsider Rituximab Dosing Regimens for Pemphigus Vulgaris?

Abstract

Rituximab is currently approved for patients affected by moderate-to-severe pemphigus vulgaris, a severe autoimmune blistering skin disease that can be life-threatening. The standard rituximab dosing regimens, originally established for B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, have been recognized to exceed the effective dose required for inducing B-cell depletion, considering that the B-cell burden in pemphigus vulgaris is considerably lower than in lymphoproliferative disorders. We herein report our experience with very ultra-low-dose rituximab in two patients affected by pemphigus vulgaris.

Keywords

• pemphigus vulgaris
• rituximab
• very ultra-low dose
• infusion reactions
• cost-effectiveness