Rituximab in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy

Author: Živković, Saša A

Source: Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, Volume 6, Number 9, September 2006 , pp. 1267-1274(8)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Peripheral neuropathy associated with immunoglobulin (Ig)M gammopathy and anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein antibodies is frequently treatment-resistant and different treatment regimens carry substantial toxicity and side effects. More recently, the chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab has shown benefits in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy associated with IgM gammopathy with a favorable side-effect profile. There are no published reports of its use in the treatment of neuropathy associated with IgG and IgA gammopathies. Rituximab is usually given at 375 mg/m² intravenously with four weekly doses that may be repeated after 6-12 months. Large controlled studies are still pending but rituximab is an exciting and promising treatment offering another option in the treatment of peripheral neuropathy associated with IgM monoclonal gammopathy.

Keywords: anti-MAG antibody; CD20; immunoglobulinM; monoclonal gammopathy; peripheral neuropathy; rituximab

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1586/14737175.6.9.1267

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$73.00 plus tax Refund Policy