Risk of infection in patients with lymphoma receiving rituximab: systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The addition of Rituximab (R) to standard chemotherapy (C) has been reported to improve the end of treatment outcome in patients affected by CD-20 positive malignant lymphomas (CD20+ ML). Nevertheless, given the profound and prolonged immunosuppression produced by R there are concerns that severe infections may arise. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to determine whether or not the addition of R to C may increase the risk of severe infections in adults undergoing induction therapy for CD20+ ML.

Methods

Only randomised controlled trials comparing R-C to C standard alone in adult patients with CD20+ ML were included. Meta-analysis was performed on overall incidence of severe infection, risk of dying as the consequence of infection, risk of febril

SUBMITTER: Lanini S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3094236 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature