The purpose of this study is to determine whether the use of rituximab is effective in treating pulmonary alveolar proteinosis by leading to an improvement in lung function and disease status.
The goal of this study is to conduct a prospective, open-label 6-month trial of rituximab in patients who present with symptomatic primary or idiopathic PAP. A total of 10 subjects with primary PAP will be enrolled over 12 months at East Carolina University. Patients over age 18 with a clinical diagnosis of moderate symptomatic idiopathic PAP, established by appropriate clinical history, radiographic and physiologic findings, presence of circulating anti-GM-CSF antibody, and confirmatory findings on bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and/or open-lung biopsy will be recruited. Patients with newly diagnosed PAP or established disease may be considered for this study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
10
IV, 1000 mg, two weeks, 2 times
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina, United States
Evaluate symptomatic, physiologic and radiographic effects of therapy
Time frame: 6-months
Evaluate the overall tolerability of therapy and the requirement for therapeutic whole-lung lavage
Time frame: 6-months
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