B lymphocyte depletion therapy with rituximab in rheumatoid arthritis

B lymphocyte depletion therapy in rheumatoid arthritis can provide major clinical benefits. Widespread use in the future will depend on continued evidence of safety, particularly in the context of long-term use. Rituximab is a highly effective agent, but it may be best used in combination with other agents. Substantial improvement following a single course of therapy has been found to last up to 42 months, and it is reasonable to hope that further development of strategies targeting B cells will extend this toward the original aim of truly long-term remission.