Obinutuzumab in untreated primary membranous nephropathy: An observational case series

• Published in: Nephrology (Carlton, Vic.) Vic.), 2024-11, Vol.29 (11), p.709-716
• Main Authors: Hao, Jinling, Wang, Jing, Zhou, Pan, Xu, Rong, Chen, Xiaoli
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Albumin; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized - adverse effects; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized - therapeutic use; B‐cell targeted therapy; Female; Glomerulonephritis, Membranous - diagnosis; Glomerulonephritis, Membranous - drug therapy; Glomerulonephritis, Membranous - immunology; Humans; Male; Membranous nephropathy; Middle Aged; Nephropathy; obinutuzumab; Phospholipase A2; phospholipase A2 receptor; primary membranous nephropathy; Proteins; Proteinuria - drug therapy; Receptors, Phospholipase A2 - immunology; Remission; Remission Induction; remission rate; Rituximab; Serum Albumin, Human - analysis; Statistical analysis; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
• ISSN: 1320-5358; 1440-1797; 1440-1797
• DOI: 10.1111/nep.14331

Background As an initial treatment for primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), there remains a significant proportion of patients for whom rituximab is not fully effective. Here, we aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of obinutuzumab as initial treatment in patients with PMN. Methods In this observational case series, patients diagnosed with PMN and treated with obinutuzumab as initial treatment were included. Treatment response was assessed by 24‐h urine total protein (24 h UTP) and serum albumin, and immunologic remission was assessed by phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies. Results Twelve patients with PMN receiving obinutuzumab as initial treatment were included. Over 6 months, a statistically significant reduction in 24 h UTP levels (p = 0.003) and an increase in serum albumin levels were observed (p