Patients with steroid-refractory immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who received rituximab after splenectomy derived superior benefit compared with those given rituximab before splenectomy, according to William A. Hammond, MD, FACP, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, and colleagues.
To assess the effect treatment sequence has on time to relapse, Dr Hammond et al evaluated freedom from relapse (FFR) and response rates after rituximab or splenectomy as single or sequential interventions in 218 patients with steroid-refractory ITP.
All patients in the study underwent treatment with splenectomy or rituximab from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2015, at Mayo Clinic.
- By Hina Porcelli for Oncology Learning Network