Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in Pemphigus Foliaceus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - Report - MDSpire

Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in Pemphigus Foliaceus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

  • By

  • Camille Kieffer

  • Vivien Hebert

  • Pascal Joly

  • Billal Tedbirt

  • July 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Assessment of Rituximab's Effectiveness and Safety in Pemphigus Foliaceus

Overview

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of rituximab in pemphigus foliaceus (PF).

Background

Pemphigus foliaceus is a rare autoimmune blistering disease that can lead to significant morbidity. Rituximab has been suggested as a treatment option for moderate-to-severe PF, despite limited studies supporting its efficacy. Understanding the effectiveness and safety of rituximab in this context is essential for optimizing patient management.

Data Highlights

OutcomeRateMedian Time
Complete Remission75.0%9 months
Relapse Rate38.0%12.5 months

Key Findings

  • Pooled complete remission rate of rituximab in PF was 75.0% over a median follow-up of 24.5 months.
  • The median time to complete remission was 9 months.
  • The pooled relapse rate was 38.0%, occurring at a median of 12.5 months after the first infusion.
  • No significant difference in complete remission rates was observed between lymphoma- and rheumatoid arthritis-type regimens (p = 0.80).
  • 20 severe adverse events were reported among 78 patients, primarily infections (65%).

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should be aware of the potential for relapse and monitor for severe adverse events, particularly infections.

Conclusion

Further studies may help refine treatment protocols.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. Updated S2K guidelines on the management of pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus initiated by the european academy of dermatology and venereology (EADV)
  3. Frontiers in Immunology — Efficacy of low dose of rituximab to treat systemic lupus erythematosus
  4. Clinical Rheumatology — Assessment of the effectiveness and safety of mycophenolate mofetil in individuals with immune thrombocytopenic purpura: a systematic review and meta-analysis
  5. Blood Cancer Journal — Assessment of the Effectiveness and Safety of Initial Treatment Strategies for Waldenstrom Macroglobulinaemia: A Comprehensive Review and Meta-Analysis
  6. Frontiers in Immunology — Efficacy and safety of obinutuzumab in patients with primary membranous nephropathy: a focus on refractory and rituximab-resistant patients
  7. Updated S2K guidelines on the management of pemphigus vulgaris and foliaceus initiated by the european academy of dermatology and venereology (EADV)
  8. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in Patients With Pemphigus Foliaceus Compared With Pemphigus Vulgaris | Dermatology | JAMA Dermatology | JAMA Network
  9. Efficacy, safety, and B-cell depletion capacity of 3 rituximab dosing regimens in the treatment of moderate-to-severe pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus: A 52-week clinical trial - ScienceDirect

Original Source(s)

Efficacy and Safety of Rituximab in Pemphigus Foliaceus: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

  • by Camille Kieffer, Vivien Hebert, Pascal Joly, Billal Tedbirt

  • July 2, 2026

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