[Current possibilities for treatment for hepatitis C virus-induced cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and B-cell lymphoma]

Abstract

The paper presents a detailed review of the data available in the literature on the treatment of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and some forms of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma caused by hepatitis C virus. It shows treatment successes associated with the use of current combined antiviral therapy (interferon-alpha and ribavirin) and its combination with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (rituximab). The combined therapy with rituximab and antiviral drugs allows a radical improvement of prognosis in nearly 50% of patients. Remaining treatment problems and new drug prospects are discussed.