Treatment of resistant pemphigus vulgaris with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (Rituximab)

We describe a 54-year-old man with resistant pemphigus vulgaris. Standard therapies had afforded inadequate control and have been associated with considerable side-effects. The anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, Rituximab (MabThera, Roche), was trialled with significant benefit. We discuss its potential mechanism of action.