Synopsis: Primary (idiopathic) membranous nephropathy (MN), an immune-mediated glomerular disease, is one of the leading causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. Glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamides are effective against MN; however, they cause non-specific depletion of B-cells and cause severe toxic effects. Calcineurin inhibitors like cyclosporine are preferred treatment. However, these inhibitors are also associated with side effects (nephrotoxicity and hypertension) and a high rate of relapse after discontinuation of the treatment. Rituximab has a selective B-cell depleting action and hence can be considered as a promising agent in the treatment of MN.
In this regard, this MedFact presents a detailed summary of a clinical trial titled, “Membranous Nephropathy Trial Of Rituximab (MENTOR),“ published in The New England Journal of Medicine, Oct 2019. Authors: F. C. Fervenza, G. B.…
