Abstract
A pilot study previously demonstrated that thrice-weekly, fractionated-dose intravenous rituximab (RTX) limits CD20 loss from chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) B cells, thereby enhancing immunotherapeutic targeting. Here, we investigated the feasibility of giving 20 mg rituximab subcutaneously thrice weekly for up to 12 weeks in 4 previously treated CLL patients. Subcutaneous rituximab was well-tolerated with minimal injection site reactions; a variable degree of efficacy was observed, likely influenced by the size of the patients' B cell/CD20 burden. Subcutaneous RTX largely preserved CD20 expression on leukemic cells but the most effective therapeutic dosing regimen needs to be established (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00366418).
Publication types
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Clinical Trial, Phase I
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Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / pharmacology
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Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
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Antigens, CD20 / genetics*
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Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
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Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
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Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
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Drug Administration Schedule
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Female
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Gene Expression / drug effects*
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Humans
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Injections, Subcutaneous
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Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell / drug therapy*
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Lymphocyte Count
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Rituximab
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
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Antigens, CD20
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Antineoplastic Agents
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Rituximab
Associated data
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ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT00366418