[Anti-CD20 antibodies in primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma. Initial results in dermatologic patients].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Primary cutaneous B cell lymphomas (pCBCL) are rare extra-cutaneous non-Hodgkin lymphomas which occur on the trunk as follicle center cell lymphoma or on the leg as large B cell lymphoma. The currently accepted therapy of pCBCL (excision and/or radiotherapy, systemic interleukin 2 and interferon alpha 2a, local injection of cisplatin or multiagent chemotherapy, i.e. CHOP) is insufficient for treatment of multifocal pCBCL and secondary extracutaneous involvement. For this reason, the new synthetic chimeric, monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody Rituximab is an alternative treatment for patients with pCBCL.

PATIENTS/METHODS: Four patients with pCBCL localized to the trunk or head were treated with Rituximab (375 mg/kg weekly for 4-8 weeks, then maintenance therapy every 4 weeks for 6 months).

RESULTS: All 4 patients showed a response (2/4 partial; 2/4 complete). Side effects were minimal.

CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab is an alternative immunotherapeutic drug for the treatment of pCBCL. Our initial experience with this new modality are presented and discussed.