rituximab, in combination with glucocorticoids, is recommended as an option for inducing remission in adults with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody [ANCA]-associated vasculitis (severely active granulomatosis with polyangiitis [Wegener's] and microscopic polyangiitis), only if:
further cyclophosphamide treatment would exceed the maximum cumulative cyclophosphamide dose or
cyclophosphamide is contraindicated or not tolerated or
the person has not completed their family and treatment with cyclophosphamide may materially affect their fertility or
the disease has remained active or progressed despite a course of cyclophosphamide lasting 3-6 months or
the person has had uroepithelial malignancy.
Notes (1):
rituximab is a genetically engineered chimeric (mouse/human) monoclonal antibody that depletes B cells by targeting cells bearing the CD20 surface marker
Reference:
NICE. Rituximab in combination with glucocorticoids for treating anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. Technology appraisal guidance TA308. Published: March 2014
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