Progression of classic Kaposi's sarcoma with rituximab. J Am Acad Dermatol 2005 Jul;53(1):155-7
Date
06/21/2005Pubmed ID
15965441DOI
10.1016/j.jaad.2004.12.048Scopus ID
2-s2.0-20444482727 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 27 CitationsAbstract
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen of B cells and is being used increasingly for treatment of antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases. We observed the rapid progression of Kaposi's sarcoma after our patient received rituximab for autoimmune hemolytic anemia. We postulate that by very specifically depleting B cells, rituximab affects T-cell function (eliminating B- and T-cell interactions), resulting in impaired T-cell-mediated immunity. Dermatologists should use caution when offering rituximab for off-label use.
Author List
Clifford KS, Demierre MFAuthor
Keri S. Chaney MD Assistant Professor in the Dermatology department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AgedAged, 80 and over
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune
Antibodies, Monoclonal
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived
Disease Progression
Humans
Immunologic Factors
Male
Rituximab
Sarcoma, Kaposi
Skin Neoplasms
