The PROLONG Trial - Rituximab Maintenance Therapy in ITP

Who can take part

• Male or female aged ≥18 years
• Diagnosis of primary ITP of less than one year duration having a platelet count of ≤ 30 x109/L measured within 4 weeks prior to inclusion with failure to achieve initial response or relapse either after one cycle of dexamethasone (40 mg daily for 4 days) or 4 weeks with any other steroid (prednisone or prednisolone). Platelet count between 31 to 50 x109/L is accepted if higher platelet count is required due to concomitant antiplatelet therapy or bleeding
• Scheduled intravenous treatment of rituximab
• Signed and dated written informed consent
• Females of child-bearing potential accepting to follow effective contraceptive methods for at least 12 months following the last administration of rituximab or placebo
• Completion of the induction phase (phase 1) of the study
• Sustained response at the end of phase 1
• Randomization within 4 weeks after the completion of phase 1, i.e. between week 24 and 28

Who cannot take part

• Previous treatment for ITP with: rituximab, other immune suppressants (including mycophenolate mofetil, aziothioprin, cyclosporine), chemotherapy or splenectomy
• Concomitant autoimmune hemolytic anemia
• History of any major cardiovascular event within the 6 months prior to randomization, including but not limited to: myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cerebrovascular accident, or New York Heart Association Class III or IV heart failure
• Known contraindication to a treatment with any proton-pump inhibitor
• Pregnancy. 16. Treatment with rescue medication after week 18. 17. Patients refusing to continue in the study (withdrawal of consent). 18. Splenectomy performed for any cause; -
• Known active gastro-duodenal ulcer
• Secondary ITP: ITP associated with lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, autoimmune disorders such as, common variable immune deficiency, human immunodeficiency virus, or hepatitis C or thrombocytopenia associated with myeloid dysplasia
• Active hepatitis B virus or patients with positive HBsAG or HBcAB
• Patients with active severe infection, including systemic mycotic infections or a history of recurring or chronic infections or with underlying conditions which may further predispose patients to serious infection
• Known allergy and/or sensitivity or contraindication to rituximab or dexamethasone or any of the ingredients
• Active malignancy or history of malignant disease during the last 2 years except cured skin cancer
• Patients with history of poor compliance or history of alcohol/drug abuse or excessive alcohol beverage consumption that would interfere with the ability to comply with the study protocol, or current or past psychiatric disease that might interfere with the ability to comply with the study protocol or give informed consent
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Patients in a severely immune compromised state