dexamethasone + rituximab

Dexamethasone + rituximab is a combination therapy consisting of dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid corticosteroid, and rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B lymphocytes. Dexamethasone acts as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor and modulating gene expression to suppress immune responses. Rituximab binds specifically to the CD20 antigen on B cells, leading to their depletion through mechanisms such as complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and induction of apoptosis. This combination has been studied primarily for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) in adults, where it provides improved long-term response rates compared to monotherapy with either agent alone[3]. The regimen is also used off-label or in clinical trials for other autoimmune diseases and certain hematologic malignancies.

Brand names

RituxanDecadron

Other names

Rituximab maintenance therapyPROLONG trial regimen