Rituximab

[Keithtim10]

Hi all i was diagnosed with ANCA Vasculitis which left me with Stage 3/4 CKD and following other treatments and medication i have been given rituximab 3 times now over 18 months and due another batch in June this year.I am 67 and recentley had to have a Tumor removed from my bladder this week which was seen early.Now i am aware of side effects of Rituximab but i just wondered if anybody had similar experience and peoples views on this.

[Hidden]

Hi Keith,

Am I right in thinking you had Cyclophosamide infusions to treat your Vasculitis?

Were you given MESNA infusions to protect your bladder with the Cyclo as one of the side effects of Cyclo is bladder cancer?

[Keithtim10 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Keyes Yes i did have MESNA when i was given Cyclophos. in the begining for the first six months but after that i was put on Rituximab.I was aware of the effects of Cyclophos but i think with the Rituximab carries similar risks.

[Hidden in reply to Keithtim10]

Hi Keith,

I am not aware of any studies that show an increased risk of bladder cancer with Rituximab. Of course it is a relatively new drug and there is an ongoing clinical register to look at long term side effects in Vasculitis patients.

There does seem to be a suggestion that long term immunosupression of any type can increase the risk of cancer but I am not sure the mechanism for this is well understood. It’s definitley an area that requires further study.

[Keithtim10]

Thanks Keyes its interesting what you have said seems a minefield at times.

[Keithtim10]

Hi Joanna thats a good question i really not sure all i know it took about 5 hours each treatment.It may have been 500 mls why do you ask do you think there is some relevance?