A recent meta-analysis published in Autoimmunity Reviews shows that rituximab is associated with decreased annualised relapse rates and disability levels in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and has satisfactory safety and tolerance.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 15 studies (n=946) identified through a literature search on MEDLINE, Central Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Efficacy outcomes included changes in annualised relapse rates and mean Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores before and after the rituximab therapy and the likelihood of relapse after rituximab therapy. Safety outcome was the occurrence of adverse events.
The findings showed that rituximab therapy was associated with a reduction in mean annualised relapse rates by 0.80 (95% CI, 0.45-1.15) and reduction in the mean EDSS score by 0.46 (95% CI, 0.05-0.87). Only 15 per cent of patients (95% CI, 7%-26%) were likely to experience a relapse after initiating rituximab therapy. Mild-to-moderate adverse events were observed in 26.7 per cent of patients, and severe adverse events were observed in none.
The authors said: "Our findings support continued off-label prescribing of rituximab for patients with RRMS and highlight the necessity of large randomised clinical trial to thoroughly characterise the efficacy and safety of rituximab as a treatment for RRMS."
