Work

Pharmacokinetic assessment of subcutaneous rituximab hyaluronidase among Ugandan adults with CD20+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is the most common hematologic malignancy worldwide. In high-income countries (HICs), treatment outcomes for NHL have dramatically improved over the past 25 years in large part due to rituximab. However, these same benefits have not been realized in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) given limited access to monoclonal antibodies. In order to assess the pharmacokinetic profile of subcutaneous rituximab (sqR) among patients in Uganda, we enrolled 18 newly diagnosed patients with CD20+ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In cohort 1, n=6, IV rituximab was given on day 1 of cycle 1, followed by CHOP chemotherapy followed by sqR and CHOP for cycles 2-6. The second cohort (n=12) received sqR plus CHOP for all cycles. We assessed trough concentrations (Ctrough) from the plasma and pharmacokinetic assessments were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Ctrough was analyzed descriptively. We demonstrate that the Ctrough provides exposure within the published reference range, was consistent across cohorts and within acceptable limits, and support the use of sqR in Uganda. Efforts to increase access to monoclonal antibodies, including rituximab, are necessary to reduce health disparities. Subcutaneous formulations are one way forward. NCT03864419

Source: Blood Global Hematology

DOI: 10.1016/j.bglo.2026.100164