Rituximab monotherapy for splenic marginal zone lymphoma.

In this retrospective study, rituximab was found to be effective therapy in 10 of 11 patients with splenic marginal zone lymphoma, inducing prompt reduction in splenomegaly, improvement in blood counts in 9 patients and clearance of a pleural effusion in 1 patient. Median response duration was 21 months (range 4 to 37 months). Two patients who relapsed at 21 and 23 months responded to retreatment. Rituximab should be considered in patients who are poor candidates for splenectomy.