[RITUXIMAB FOR THE TREATMENT OF PEMPHIGUS - A REVIEW OF RECENT STUDIES AND PERSONAL EXPERIENCE FROM THE RABIN MEDICAL CENTER AND THE SHEBA MEDICAL CENTER].

Pemphigus is a chronic autoimmune bullous disease. To date there is no curative treatment for the disease. The standard treatment has been based on systemic corticosteroids and immune-suppressants. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody against CD20 cells which leads to B cell depletion, resulting in decreased antibody production. In recent years increasing evidence on promising efficacy and safety of rituximab in the treatment of pemphigus has emerged. This review presents the key publications and the Israeli experience with rituximab treatment at the Rabin and the Sheba Medical Centers. Disclosure: Prof. Daniel Mimouni participated in an advisory board of Roche.