Relationship Between T LYmphocytes Depletion and Clinical Response to RITUXimab in Rheumatoid Arthritis (LYRITUX)
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2019-12-18
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Rituximab, an anti CD-20 monoclonal antibody targeting B lymphocytes is prescribed in
rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients refractory to TNF alpha antagonists. According to previous
studies, 25 to 50% of patients have an insufficient or absence of response to rituximab at
week 24.
In a recent retrospective study, a CD4+ T-lymphocytes depletion was observed after a first
course of rituximab in RA patients. The absolute CD4+ number at week 12 was 37% (±33) of the
baseline value, leading to < 200 cells/µL in 5% of patients. Interestingly the absence of
CD4+ T-lymphocytes depletion was observed in clinical non-responders, suggesting the
involvement of T-lymphocytes in the mechanism of action of rituximab. So far no prospective
study have supported the usefulness of lymphocyte phenotyping, in particular T-lymphocytes,
to monitor rituximab-treated RA patients.