Extended B cell phenotype in patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: a cross-sectional study

What is it about?

Promising results have been reported from 2 clinical trials of B cell Depletion therapy based on Rituximab trials and we are investigating many aspects of B cell function which may indicate, firstly, why Rituximab seems to work and to also identify patients most likely to benefit from this or related therapies.

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Why is it important?

There is currently no biomedical-based therapy for patients diagnosed with ME/CFS Rituximab may offer help to a sub-group of patients at least and has also opened up a new area of research into underlying mechanisms. This condition has been stigmatised by many health professionals as having no 'biological' basis and regarded by many as psychosomatic in cause. Increasing evidence from a number of eminent researchers would strongly refute this and progress will hopefully now increase in delivering some rational therapies for this complex group of conditions.