Rituximab Administration in Coronavirus Pandemic Era: A Mini-Review of Clinical Evidence

Ahmad Shamabadi; Hamidreza Mahmoudi; Maryam Daneshpazhooh

doi:10.18502/jimc.v4i2.6458

Ahmad Shamabadi Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Hamidreza Mahmoudi Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Maryam Daneshpazhooh Autoimmune Bullous Diseases Research Center, Razi Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v4i2.6458

Keywords: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Neoplasms, Pandemics, Rituximab

Abstract

Rituximab (RTX), as a B cell-depleting agent, is indicated in treating several malignancies and autoimmune diseases. The management of patients currently receiving RTX and patients starting the medication raised concerns in the pandemic era. Theoretically, suppressing the immune response at the beginning of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) enhances viral replication, but it prevents acute respiratory distress syndrome as the disease progresses. This review aims to investigate the results of RTX administration in patients during the pandemic era. There is insufficient evidence to definitively conclude on the safety of RTX during the pandemic. For this purpose, high-quality controlled cohort studies, as well as registry-based studies, would be helpful.