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Rituximab has demonstrated a major effect in B-cell lymphoma and in a wide range of autoimmune disorders. Unfortunately, the blood-brain-barrier excludes the disorders restricted to the central nervous system (CNS) from the action of rituximab. The progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a prototypical CNS autoimmune disorder characterized by an intrathecal compartmentalization of inflammation resisting all the available immunosuppressive treatments. As a consequence, intrathecal therapeutics are promising new approach in progressive MS. We first review data gathered from animal models and human off-label intrathecal rituximab use in CNS lymphomas, then summarize the recent evidence supporting the need for trials based on the intrathecal use of rituximab in multiple sclerosis. The experience obtained in these settings offers valuable preliminary data for future studies in CNS autoimmunity.

We report the first case of hepatocellular injury occurring in a patient treated for metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) with imatinib mesylate, with two positive rechallenges including one with 2.5% of the current therapeutic dosage. The patient could be treated later with sunitinib without liver toxicity. Grade 3-4 liver toxicity could occur in one out of 40 treated patients with imatinib for GIST, and fatalities have been reported. Regular monitoring of liver function tests is essential in patients treated with imatinib.

Background. The progressive phase of multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by an intrathecal (IT) compartmentalization of inflammation, involving B-cells within meningeal follicles, and resisting all the available immunosuppressive treatments. A new therapeutic paradigm may be to target this inflammation by injecting immunosuppressive drugs inside the central nervous system compartment. Methods. We designed a single-center, open-label, randomized, controlled, phase II study designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IT rituximab in progressive MS (EFFRITE trial; ClinicalTrial Registration NCT02545959). Patients were randomized into three arms (1 : 1 : 1): control group, IT rituximab (20 mg, IT) group, and intravenous+IT (IV+IT) group. The main outcome was a change in levels of CSF biomarkers of inflammation (osteopontin). Secondary outcomes were changes in levels of CSF biomarkers of axonal loss (neurofilament light chain) and clinical and MRI changes. Results. Ten patients were included (2 : 4 : 4). No adverse event occurred. OPN level remained stable in CSF at each time point, whereas NFL had slightly decreased (-8.7%) at day 21 ( p = 0.02 ). Clinical parameters remained stable and leptomeningeal enhancements remained unchanged. Conclusion. Clinical outcome and biomarkers of inflammation were not dramatically modified after IT injection of rituximab, probably due to its limited efficiency in CSF. Drug issues for future studies are discussed.