Table 1.
Summary of studies on the effects of B cell depletion with rituximab on anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP).
| Author (reference) | Year | Disease duration | Treatment | Study length | Effect of non-TNF biologic on ACPA levels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cambridge 33 | 2003 | 18 years | Rituximab with or without i.v. cyclophosphamide | 33·5 months | CCP levels reduced, especially in responders |
| Kormelink 108 | 2010 | 12 years | Rituximab | 6 months | IgG-ACPA reduced in good–moderate responders |
| Rosengren 109 | 2008 | 12·2 years | Rituximab | 8 weeks | Reduced anti-CCP antibody (not in synovial tissue) |
| Toubi 83 | 2007 | NS† | Rituximab | 4 months | Unchanged anti-CCP antibodies despite documented clinical response |
†
Not stated: ‘Ten patients with active RA, unresponsive to methotrexate …’. RA: rheumatoid arthritis; ACPA: anti-citrullinated protein autoantibodies; Ig: immunoglobulin; i.v.: intravenous.