Monoclonal antibody treatment of orbital lymphoma.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, Rituximab, in the treatment of orbital lymphoma.

METHODS

Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series of 8 patients treated with rituximab. Management, side effects, and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

Five patients had initial complete response, 2 had partial response, and 1 had no response to this treatment. One patient had breathlessness, bronchospasm, and hypotension but was able to complete treatment. Mean follow-up was 16.5 months (range, 6 to 32 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Rituximab is a safe and effective treatment in some cases of orbital lymphoma and may be used as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, other therapeutic modalities.