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The Role of Rituximab in the Therapy of Mixed Cryoglobulinemia

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HCV Infection and Cryoglobulinemia

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Abstract

The chimeric monoclonal antibody (IgG1/κ) rituximab (RTX) is directed against the CD20 antigen, expressed on the surface of normal (from pre-B to mature B lymphocytes) and malignant B lymphocytes. Since mixed cryoglobulinemia is sustained by a low-grade B lymphoproliferation exhibiting autoimmune features, there is a strong rationale for using RTX in the treatment of this disorder. Almost all clinical manifestations of mixed cryoglobulinemia may benefit from RTX treatment, and the antibody is generally well tolerated and safe. Caution should be exerted in patients with high cryoglobulin levels or hyperviscosity at baseline, because of possible flare syndrome. Although RTX can lead to an increase of HCV viremia, hepatitis re-activation is rarely observed. Prospective comparative trials are warranted in order to better evaluate the therapeutic impact of RTX and to define the best treatment approach.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Clinica Ematologica, DISM, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Maria Misericordia, Udine, Italy

    Francesco Zaja, Stefano Volpetti, Stefano De Luca & Renato Fanin

Authors
  1. Francesco Zaja
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  2. Stefano Volpetti
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  3. Stefano De Luca
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  4. Renato Fanin
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Correspondence to Francesco Zaja .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Internal Medicine and Clin, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari, 70124, Italy

    Franco Dammacco

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Zaja, F., Volpetti, S., De Luca, S., Fanin, R. (2012). The Role of Rituximab in the Therapy of Mixed Cryoglobulinemia. In: Dammacco, F. (eds) HCV Infection and Cryoglobulinemia. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-1705-4_38

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-1705-4_38

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-1704-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-1705-4

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