Rituximab for the treatment of AIDS-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (AIDS-NHL) abstract 121

Document Type

Article

Department

Haematology and Oncology, East Africa

Abstract

The introduction of Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting the CD20 antigen, has revolutionized the treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL). This study investigates the efficacy and safety of Rituximab in patients with AIDS-associated Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (AIDS-NHL), a group particularly vulnerable to aggressive forms of lymphoma due to their immunocompromised state. We conducted a multi-center, phase II clinical trial involving 60 patients diagnosed with AIDS-NHL. Participants received Rituximab in combination with standard chemotherapy regimens, with dosing adjusted according to their HIV status and overall health.

The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR), including complete and partial remission rates. Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related toxicities. Results demonstrated an ORR of 75%, with a complete remission rate of 40% and a partial remission rate of 35%. The median progression-free survival was 12 months, with a median overall survival of 18 months. Notably, patients with well-controlled HIV infection exhibited better outcomes.

Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of Rituximab, with infusion-related reactions and neutropenia being the most common. Importantly, no significant increase in opportunistic infections was observed, suggesting that Rituximab can be safely administered to patients with AIDS-NHL when appropriate prophylactic measures are taken.

In conclusion, Rituximab, in combination with chemotherapy, offers a promising treatment option for patients with AIDS-NHL, providing substantial clinical benefits with manageable safety risks. Further studies are warranted to optimize treatment regimens and improve outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Comments

This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes

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