Nephrology, dialysis, transplantation : official publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association - European Renal Association
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Nephrol. Dial. Transplant. · Apr 2015
ReviewB-cell therapy in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis.
Until recently, standard of care for patients with generalized or severe antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) has consisted of an induction regimen with cyclophosphamide (CYC) and corticosteroids followed by maintenance treatment with azathioprine. This regimen is associated with significant toxicity resulting in considerable morbidity and mortality whereas relapses are still not infrequent. ⋯ To prevent relapses, which occur particularly in patients positive for PR3-ANCA, 500 mg RTX given every 6 months was shown to be superior to azathioprine in a French study. Thus, RTX is a new and promising therapeutic armamentarium for AAV although long-term safety has still to be established.