Rituximab Can Induce a Durable Response in Refractory Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura Associated with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is observed in 2% of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Steroids, intravenous immunoglobulins, anti-Rh(D) immunoglobulins, and splenectomy remain the mainstays of treatment in ITP. Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20 antigen expressed on B-lymphocytes and, therefore, has B-cell–depleting and immunomodulatory capabilities. Many case reports, series, and retrospective studies have reported its efficacy in the treatment of patients with refractory ITP. However, its efficacy in CLL-associated ITP is not well described. Herein, a patient with refractory CLL-associated ITP who achieved a durable complete response for 8 months after treatment with rituximab is described.