Observational Study of RTX in Eleven Human Patients with Ocular Inflammation

In a small retrospective study of eleven patients treated with rituximab (RTX), most showed a significant reduction in corticosteroid use and positive responses in managing ocular inflammation. However, visual acuity remained unchanged over a mean follow-up of 19 months. One patient experienced herpes zoster reactivation.

Tags: #Rituximab #Uveitis #Scleritis #AutoimmuneDiseases
Most relevant to: Ophthalmologist, Immunologist
Source: Read original source (PMID 42789551)

This plain-English summary was written by AI from a published abstract and may contain errors. It is not medical advice. Read the original study and talk to your MS team before making decisions about treatment.

Why it matters

The study suggests RTX may help reduce corticosteroid use and benefit patients with certain ocular inflammatory conditions, highlighting its potential role in treatment strategies.

What this does not prove

The study involved only 11 patients and could not isolate the effects of RTX due to concurrent antimetabolite use and corticosteroids. Additionally, unchanged visual acuity may indicate previous damage.

Next milestone

No next milestone was established from the available source.

Study facts

Study design: Observational
Participants / samples: 11 · Number of patients treated with RTX
Randomised: No
Controlled: No
Primary endpoint met: Not reported
Relevant MS type: Not reported
Publication date: 2026-09-25
Evidence reviewed: Abstract only
Regulatory approval: Not reported
Research areas: Not classified

Original sources

Primary evidenceRituximab Shows Promise for Eye Inflammation ↗

Supporting passages (15)

study designMETHODS: Single-centre retrospective series of eleven consecutive patients (21 eyes; one unilateral) treated with intravenous RTX (1,000 mg twice, 14 days apart, then six-monthly maintenance) between January 2023 and May 2026.

subjectsMETHODS: Single-centre retrospective series of eleven consecutive patients (21 eyes; one unilateral) treated with intravenous RTX (1,000 mg twice, 14 days apart, then six-monthly maintenance) between January 2023 and May 2026.

sample sizeeleven consecutive patients

sample size basisMETHODS: Single-centre retrospective series of eleven consecutive patients (21 eyes; one unilateral) treated with intravenous RTX (1,000 mg twice, 14 days apart, then six-monthly maintenance) between January 2023 and May 2026.

randomizedNo

controlledNo

primary endpointResponse was graded by at least two of three uveitis specialists.

follow upMean follow-up was 19.0 months (3.9 cycles).

findingsVisual acuity was unchanged (logMAR 0.51 to 0.42; p = 0.272).

findingsMean daily prednisolone-equivalent dose fell from 28.0 to 3.5 mg (87.7% relative reduction; p = 0.002).

findingsModified McCluskey scores fell from 14.25 to 1.50 (n = 4); PR3-ANCA titres declined in all three GPA patients.

findingsTen of eleven patients (90.9%) responded (five complete, five partial), including nine of ten (90.0%) with active ocular inflammation at initiation.

limitationsIn this small, heterogeneous cohort, RTX was associated with marked corticosteroid sparing and favourable responses in all three subtypes.

limitationsAbsent visual gain likely reflects pre-existing damage.

publication datePublication date: 2026-09-25

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