The British journal of dermatology
-
Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas (PCBCLs) are characterized by restriction to the skin and a variable but mostly favourable prognosis. Since 1997 the recombinant, chimeric anti-CD20 antibody rituximab has been used in patients suffering from non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphomas. Different studies have shown that the effectiveness and safety in the treatment of patients with low-grade follicular lymphoma is comparable to or even higher than the standard CHOP chemotherapy. So far it has been unclear whether an extended duration of therapy leads to a benefit for the patients with PCBCL. ⋯ Intravenous therapy with eight cycles of the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab is a non-toxic and effective treatment for a subset of patients with PCBCL (relapsed, aggressive entity, old patients, multiple lesions) with a long DR.