Subsequent Rituxan Treatment Yields Better Outcomes

Subsequent Rituxan (rituximab) treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate response to previous treatment with one or more anti-TNF drugs (Enbrel, Remicade, or Humira) produced a better outcome in a higher number of patients than with their first course of Rituxan treatment. The studies which assessed long-term efficacy and safety of a subsequent course of Rituxan were announced at the 70th annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. The study abstract is available online. (Presentation number 458)

The extension study treated 155 patients with an intravenous infusion of Rituxan and methotrexate. The study participants were selected for the extension study if they had active rheumatoid arthritis and achieved more than a 20 percent improvement in swollen or tender joint counts after the first course of Rituxan treatment. After 16 weeks in the original study patients receiving placebo were also eligible for subsequent Rituxan treatment. At 24 weeks, following subsequent Rituxan treatment and methotrexate it was found that:

• 72 percent of participants achieved ACR 20 compared to 65 percent after the first course
• 42 percent of participants achieved ACR 50 compared to 33 percent after the first course
• 21 percent of particpant achieved ACR 70 compared to 12 percent after the first course

• What is ACR Criteria and What Does it Indicate?

Further analysis showed continued improvement in physical function and physical and mental health measures with subsequent Rituxan treatment compared to first courses of Rituxan. A third analysis assessed safety of Enbrel, Remicade, or Humira use in patients who discontinued Rituxan treatment. The rate of serious infections in patients using an anti-TNF drug following Rituxan treatment was similar to the rate reported for patients who initially were treated only with an anti-TNF drug.

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_{Photo by Rob Bouwman (iStockphoto)}