Rapid infusion rituximab is well tolerated in patients with primary CNS lymphoma. (17th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Modelevsky, Lisa; Tizon, Richard; Reiss, Samantha N; Smith, Marcel; Garonce, Rachel; Kaley, Thomas
• Is Part Of: CNS oncology. Volume 7:Number 3(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-09-17
• Subjects: neuro-oncology -- primary CNS lymphoma -- rapid infusion -- rituximab; Central nervous system -- Tumors -- Periodicals; 616.99481
• DOI: 10.2217/cns-2018-0001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2045-0907

Abstract

Aim: To establish the safety and feasibility of rapidly infusing rituximab over 90 min in patients with primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL).Patients & methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with PCNSL who received rapid rituximab infusions (RRI) from January 2016 to January 2017. Primary end point was incidence of infusion reactions.Results & conclusion: 11 patients received a total of 44 RRIs. Rituximab was dosed at 500 or 750 mg/m 2 . Premedication included acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. No infusion reactions occurred during any RRI. Two infusions were administered with steroids for neurologic symptoms at baseline (4.5%). Rapid administration of rituximab was safe and feasible for patients with PCNSL and at the higher doses received.