Rituximab Is Effective for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (known as Wegener granulomatosis) and microscopic polyangiitis are both antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitides. The former is associated with antibodies against proteinase 3 (c-ANCA pattern), and the latter is associated with myeloperoxidase antibodies (p-ANCA pattern). Prednisone and cyclophosphamide have been standard therapy for years, but recent studies have shown that rituximab (Rituxan; a monoclonal antibody against B cells) is at least as effective.

In a randomized, double-blind, multicenter U.S. trial, 197 patients with severe ANCA-associated vasculitis received corticosteroids plus either intravenous rituximab (once weekly for 4 weeks) or cyclophosphamide (for 3–6 months) …