The Effect of Rituximab on the Development of Anti-Donor Antibodies
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2010-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The aim of the study is to find out if Rituximab, which is an antibody against specific white
cells involved in rejection, when combined with standard anti-rejection treatment can more
effectively reverse the rejection process.
Our hypothesis is that with acute rejection there is activation of B cells and the subsequent
development of anti-donor antibodies that ultimately lead to graft loss. More effective
therapy targeted at B cells may abort the development of anti-HLA antibodies, prevent renal
injury and have a favorable effect on long-term graft outcome.