Rituximab: Uses in Dermatology

Skin Therapy Lett. 2016 Sep;21(5):5-7.

Abstract

Rituximab is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody with considerable potential in dermatology due to an increase in off-label indications. Chronic graft-versus-host disease and pemphigus vulgaris are two of the most promising indications for off-label use of rituximab. It is a generally safe alternative that should be considered when traditional therapy with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants has failed or caused significant intolerance. Currently, rituximab is only FDA-approved for treatment of follicular and diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (formerly Wegener's granulomatosis) and microscopic polyangiitis. Herein, off-label uses of rituximab and its efficacy in the treatment of cutaneous diseases are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Connective Tissue Diseases / drug therapy
  • Graft vs Host Disease / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma, B-Cell / drug therapy
  • Off-Label Use
  • Pemphigus / drug therapy
  • Rituximab / pharmacology
  • Rituximab / therapeutic use*
  • Skin Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy

Substances

  • Rituximab