Rituxan, also known as rituximab, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat various medical conditions, primarily certain types of cancers and autoimmune diseases.
Conditions Treated by Rituxan
Rituxan has a variety of applications. Here are the main conditions it is prescribed for:
-
Cancer Treatments:
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: Rituxan is used to treat specific types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system.
- Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL): It is also used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a type of blood and bone marrow cancer.
-
Autoimmune Diseases:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Rituxan is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that affects the joints.
- Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) and Microscopic Polyangiitis (MPA): It is prescribed for these two types of vasculitis that cause inflammation of blood vessels.
- Pemphigus Vulgaris: Rituxan is used to treat this rare autoimmune disorder that causes blisters on the skin and mucous membranes.
How Rituxan Works
Rituxan is a monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins that target specific cells in the body. In the case of rituximab, the drug targets CD20 proteins found on certain B cells. In lymphomas and leukemias, these B cells are cancerous, while in autoimmune disorders they can cause harmful inflammation. By targeting these B cells, Rituxan helps reduce their activity and can lead to symptom relief.
Key Takeaways:
- Rituxan targets CD20 proteins found on certain B cells.
- It is used to treat specific types of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
- It is a type of monoclonal antibody.
| Condition | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma | A cancer of the lymphatic system. |
| Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia | A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. |
| Rheumatoid Arthritis | An autoimmune disease that affects the joints. |
| Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis | A form of vasculitis affecting blood vessels, especially in the respiratory system. |
| Microscopic Polyangiitis | A form of vasculitis affecting small blood vessels. |
| Pemphigus Vulgaris | An autoimmune disorder causing blisters on the skin and mucous membranes. |
