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Rituximab (Rituxan®) Infusion and Related Biosimilars, and Rituximab/Hyaluronidase Human for Subcutaneous Injection (Rituxan Hycela®)
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Policy

The Company reserves the right to reimburse only those services that are furnished in the most appropriate and cost-effective setting that is appropriate to the member’s medical needs and condition.

INDEX OF MEDICALLY NECESSARY INDICATIONS  ​

This policy addresses numerous medically necessary indications for the use of rituximab and related biosimilars (listed in order of appearance within the Policy section). See below for the specific medical necessity criteria. (NOTE: The following sections must also be reviewed: Company-Designated Preferred Products, Not Medically Necessary, AND Experimental/Investigational.)

RITUXIMAB AND RELATED BIOSIMILARS 

  • Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)–associated vasculitides (granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis [MPA], eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis [EGPA] [formerly Churg-Strauss syndrome], pauci-immune glomerulonephritis)
  • Anemia, autoimmune hemolytic (AIHA)
  • Castleman disease ​​(CD), multicentric and unicentric
  • Central nervous system cancers
  • Hematopoietic cell transplantation
  • Idiopathic membranous nephropathy
  • ​Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)–related disease
  • Toxicities related to immune checkpoint inhibitors
  • Leukemia​, mature B-cell acute leukemia (B-AL)
  • Leukemia, acute lymphoblastic (ALL)
  • Lupus nephritis
  • Lymphoma, Hodgkin
  • Lymphoma, non-Hodgkin (NHL) 
    • High-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL)
    • HIV-related B-cell lymphoma
    • ​Burkitt lymphoma
    • ​Burkitt-like lymphoma
    • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
    • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
    • Extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of the stomach
    • Follicular lymphoma
    • Hairy cell leukemia
    • Histiocytic neoplasms (Rosai-Dorfman disease)
    • Histologic transformation of indolent lymphomas to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma 
    • Mantle cell lymphoma
    • Nodal marginal zone lymphoma
    • Nongastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma (noncutaneous)
    • Pediatric aggressive mature B-cell lymphomas (age ≥6 months)
      • Burkitt lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
      • Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma  
    • Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)
    • Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma
    • Splenic marginal zone lymphoma
  • ​Multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Nephrotic syndrome, including minimal change disease, in pediatric individuals 
  • Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)
  • Pemphigoid diseases 
  • Pemphigus diseases (i.e., pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus) 
  • Pure red cell aplasia
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, active
  • Scleroderma 
  • Sjögren syndrome, primary
  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
  • Thrombocytopenic purpura, immune or idiopathic (ITP) 
  • Thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombotic (TTP)
  • Transplantation, prophylaxis 
  • Transplantation, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) 
  • Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
RITUXIMAB AND HYALURONIDASE HUMAN (RITUXAN HYCELA)
  • Castleman disease (CD)
  • Lymphoma, Hodgkin  
  • Lymphoma, non-Hodgkin (NHL)
    • Chro​nic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
    • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
    • Follicular lymphoma
    • Gastric MALT lymphoma
    • Hairy cell leukemia
    • HGBLs
    • Histologic transformation of marginal zone lymphoma to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
    • Mantle cell lymphoma
    • Nodal marginal zone lymphoma
    • Nongastric MALT lymphoma (noncutaneous)
    • Posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)
    • Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas
    • Splenic marginal zone lymphoma
  • Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma​
CHEMOTHERAPY REGIMEN ABBREVIATIONS USED THROUGHOUT THE POLICY:

  • ABVD (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, dacarbazine)​

  • BR (bendamustine and rituximab)

  • CaRD (carfilzomib, rituximab, dexamethasone) 

  • CEOP (cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine, and prednisone)
  • COP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone)
  • COPADM (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and intrathecal therapy with methotrexate and hydrocortisone) 
  • CVAD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone)
  • CVbP (cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, prednisolone) 
  • CVP (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone)​
  • CYM (cytarabine, methotrexate, and intrathecal therapy with methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone) 
  • DA-EPOCH (etoposide, prednisolone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin)
  • DA-EPOCH-R (rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin) 
  • DHA (dexamethasone and cytarabine) + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin) ​  
  • DHAP (dexamethasone, cytarabine, and cisplatin or carboplatin)
  • Dose-adjusted EPOCH (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin)
  • ESHAP (etoposide, methylprednisolone, cytarabine, and cisplatin)
  • FCR (fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab)
  • GDP (gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin)   
  • GemOx (gemcitabine, oxaliplatin)
  • GMALL (idarubicin, dexamethasone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine) 
  • HDAC (high-dose cytarabine)
  • Hyper-CVAD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone)
  • ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide)
  • IGEV (ifosfamide, gemcitabine, and vinorelbine) 
  • IVAC (ifosfamide, cytarabine, etoposide, and intrathecal methotrexate) 
  • MINE (mesna, ifosfamide, mitoxantrone, and etoposide)
  • Modified CODOX-M (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine, with intrathecal methotrexate and cytarabine followed by high-dose systemic methotrexate) 
  • MOpAD (methotrexate, vincristine, pegaspargase, dexamethasone)
  • OFAR (oxaliplatin, fl​udarabine, cytarabine, and rituximab) 
  • Pola-R-CHP (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone)
  • RCDOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, liposomal doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) 
  • RCEPP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, prednisone, and procarbazine)
  • RCEOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen
  • RGCVP (rituximab, gemcitabine, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone)
  • RCHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone)
  • R-CODOX-M (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and doxorubicin with methotrexate) 
  • R-COPADM (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and intrathecal therapy with methotrexate and hydrocortisone)
  • RCVP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone)
  • R-CYVE (cytarabine, etoposide and intrathecal therapy with methotrexate and hydrocortisone)
  • RDHA (rituximab, dexamethasone, and cytarabine) + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin) 
  • R-EPOCH (rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin)
  • RGDP (rituximab, gemcitabine, dexamethasone, cisplatin) 
  • R-HyperCVAD (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone alternating with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine) 
  • RICE (rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) 
  • R-IVAC (rituximab, ifosfamide, cytarabine, etoposide) 
  • R-MPV (rituximab, methotrexate, procarbazine, and vincristine) 
  • VR-CAP (bortezomib, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone)
MEDICALLY NECESSARY

COMPANY-DESIGNATED PREFERRED PRODUCTS 
Although there are many rituximab products on the market (e.g., rituximab [Rituxan], rituximab-abbs [Truxima], rituximab-arrx [Riabni​], rituximab-pvvr [Ruxience]), there is no reliable evidence of the superiority of any one product of rituximab compared with other products. 

The Company has designated the following rituximab biosimilar products as its preferred products:
  • rituximab-abbs (Truxima)
  • rituximab-arrx (Riabni)​
  • rituximab-pvvr (Ruxience)​
These products are less costly and at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic results as the nonpreferred products, which include, but are not limited to, rituximab (Rituxan), and any other nonpreferred rituximab products.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “a biosimilar is a biological product that has no clinically meaningful differences from the existing FDA-approved reference product. All biosimilar products meet the FDA’s rigorous standards for approval for the indications described in the product labeling. Once a biosimilar has been approved by the FDA, the safety and effectiveness of these products have been established, just as they have been for the reference product.” Coverage of a biosimilar product as an alternate to a reference product is not considered a form of step therapy by the Company.

NONPREFERRED PRODUCTS

Use of a nonpreferred​ rituximab product to treat the specified indication is eligible for coverage when the individual has documentation of a contraindication(s) or intolerance(s) (e.g., as documented per the FDA labeling), or inadequate response ​to the preferred product.

RITUXIMAB AND RELATED BIOSIMILARS
Rituximab infusion and related biosimilars are considered medically necessary and, therefore, covered for the following indications when the requirements listed in the sections above (COMPANY-DESIGNATED PREFERRED PRODUCTS and NONPREFERRED PRODUCTS) are met:

  • Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)–associated vasculitides (granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis [MPA], eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis [EGPA] [formerly Churg-Strauss syndrome], pauci-immune glomerulonephritis)
    • In adult and pediatric individuals ​2 years of age and older, in combination with glucocorticoids
  • Anemia, autoimmune hemolytic (AIHA)
    • For refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia
  • Castleman disease (CD), multicentric
    • Active multicentric CD with no organ failure with or without prednisone for individuals who are human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–negative and human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)–negative, in one of the following regimens:
      • As primary treatment
      • ​As alternate treatment for relapsed disease
      • If no response to alternate ​primary treatment
    • Active multicentric CD with no organ failure with or without liposomal doxorubicin and/or prednisone for individuals who are HHV-8–positive, in one of the following regimens:
      • As preferred primary treatment
      • ​As alternate treatment for relapsed disease
      • If no response to alternate primary treatment
    • Active multicentric CD with or without prednisone for individuals with no organ failure who have disease progression ≥6 months following completion of rituximab
    • Primary treatment for multicentric CD for individuals with fulminant HHV-8 with or without organ failure in combination with:
      • CHOP
      • CVAD
      • CVP
      • Liposomal doxorubicin
      • As a single agent if individual is not a candidate for combination therapy
    • Refractory or progressive multicentric CD in combination with liposomal doxorubicin or with CHOP, CVAD​, or regimen:
      • As initial treatment
      • If no response to initial treatment for refractory or progressive disease
    • Subsequent therapy for multicentric CD that has progressed following treatment of relapsed/refractory or progressive disease in combination with:
      • Bortezomib
      • Lenalidomide
      • Thalidomide
  • Castleman Disease (CD), unicentric
    • Unicentric CD with or without prednisone and/or cyclophosphamide for one of the following conditions:
      • For surgically unresectable disease
      • For symptomatic disease following incomplete resection
      • As second-line therapy for relapsed or refractory disease
  • Central nervous system cancers
    • For leptomeningeal metastases
      • Intra-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) treatment for leptomeningeal metastases from lymphoma by intrathecal administration
        • As primary treatment in individuals with ​good risk status (Karnofsky Performance Status [KPS] ≥60, no major neurologic deficits, minimal systemic disease, and reasonable systemic treatment options if needed)
        • As maintenance therapy for individuals with negative CSF cytology or for clinically stable individuals with persistently positive CSF cytology
    • For primary central nervous system lymphoma
      • Induction therapy as a single agent if individual is unsuitable for or intolerant to high-dose methotrexate
      • Induction therapy in combination with one of the following regimens:
        • As a component of R-MPV (National Comprehensive Cancer Network [NCCN] preferred)
        • High-dose methotrexate (NCCN preferred)
        • High-dose methotrexate and temozolomide (NCCN preferred)
        • ​High-dose methotrexate, cytarabine, and thiotepa
        • Temozolomide (if individual is unsuitable for or intolerant to high-dose methotrexate) 
        • Lenalidomide (if individual is unsuitable for or intolerant to high-dose methotrexate)
      • Treatment as a single agent or in combination with either temozolomide or lenalidomide, or as a component of rituximab, methotrexate, carmustine, etoposide, and prednisone (R-MBVP) regimen for relapsed or refractory disease
        • In individuals who received prior whole-brain radiation therapy (RT)
        • In individuals who received a prior high-dose ​methotrexate-based regimen without prior RT
        • In combination with whole-brain RT or involved field RT in individuals who received a prior high-dose methotrexate-based regimen without prior RT after no response or short response duration (<12 months) to prior regimen
        • In individuals who received prior high-dose chemotherapy with stem cell rescue
      • ​Treatment in combination with high-dose methotrexate with or without ibrutinib for relapsed or refractory disease for one of the following:
        • In individuals who received prior whole-brain RT
        • Individuals who received a prior high-dose methotrexate–based regimen without prior RT and a previous long response duration (≥12 months)
        • In individuals who received a prior high-dose methotrexate–based regimen without prior RT and a previous short response duration (<12 months) to prior regimen if clinically indicated
      • Intra-CSF therapy if CSF positive or spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) positive
        • As part of induction therapy ​​
        • ​As treatment alone or in combination with systemic therapy for relapsed or refractory disease in individuals with prior whole-brain RT
      • ​Treatment with autologous stem cell reinfusion (if the recurrent disease goes into complete remission with reinduction systemic therapy​) for relapsed or refractory disease in eligible individuals who received prior whole-brain RT as a component of high-dose cytarabine + rituximab + thiotepa followed by thiotepa + rituximab + carmustine
      • Consolidation therapy (monthly maintenance) therapy as continuation of induction regimen in individuals with complete response or complete response unconfirmed (CRu) to induction therapy​
        • ​​As a single agent
        • In combination with high-dose methotrexate
  • Hematopoietic cell transplantation
    • ​​​For chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) as additional therapy in conjunction with systemic corticosteroids following no response (steroid-refractory disease) to first-line therapy options
    • Conditioning for allogeneic transplant as part of a nonmyeloablative regimen in combination with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine
  • Idiopathic membranous nephropathy, resistant to at least one of the following conventional therapies:
    • Conventional nonimmunosuppressive therapies (e.g, angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitor, angiotensin 2 receptor blocker [ARB])
    • Immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, chlorambucil, corticosteroids, mycophenolate mofetil)
  • Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)​related disease, refractory to corticosteroids​ ​​
  • Toxicities related to immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., ipilimumab [Yervoy], nivolumab [Opdivo], pembrolizumab [Keytruda])
    • ​As additional therapy for moderate grade 2 (G2), severe (G3), or life-threatening (G4) immunotherapy-related bullous dermatitis
    • Moderate or severe steroid-refractory myalgias or myositis (proximal muscle weakness, neck flexor weakness, with or without myalgias) for significant dysphagia, life-threatening situations, or steroid-refractory myositis
    • As additional therapy for severe (G3 to G4) myasthenia gravis in individuals refractory to plasmapheresis or intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)
    • For encephalitis in individuals positive for autoimmune encephalopathy antibody, or who have had limited or no improvement after 7 to 14 days on pulse-dose methylprednisolone with or without IVIG
  • Leukemia​, mature B-cell acute leukemia (B-AL)          
    • ​​Pediatric individuals, aged 6 months and older with previously untreated, advanced stage, CD20-positive disease, in combination with chemotherapy
  • Leukemia, acute lymphoblastic (ALL) in combination with one of the following: 
    • Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for adolescents and young adults (AYA) and adults aged less than 65 years without substantial comorbidities with Philadelphia chromosome–positive B-ALL, during frontline therapy or relapsed/refractory (R/R) therapy if not previously given​
    • GRAALL-2005 regimen for induction, salvage re-induction, consolidation, late intensification, or maintenance for AYA and adults aged less than 60 years without substantial comorbidities with Philadelphia chromosome–negative B-ALL during frontline therapy or as a consideration if in late relapse (>3 years from initial diagnosis) if regimen used in frontline
    • Linker four-drug regimen (daunorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, pegaspargase) for AYA and adults aged less than 60 years without substantial comorbidities with Philadelphia chromosome–negative B-ALL during frontline therapy or as a consideration if in late relapse (>3 years from initial diagnosis) if regimen used in frontline
    • Hyper-CVAD regimen (hyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, mesna, vincristine, doxorubicin, dexamethasone, IT methotrexate, IT cytarabine alternating with high-dose methotrexate, leucovorin, methylprednisolone, cytarabine, IT methotrexate, IT cytarabine); with (for minimal residual disease negative) or without blinatumomab as consolidation, for AYA and adults aged less than 65 years without substantial comorbidities with Philadelphia chromosome–negative B-ALL during frontline therapy or as a consideration if in late relapse (>3 years from initial diagnosis) if regimen used in frontline
    • MOpAD regimen during R/R therapy as a consideration for Philadelphia chromosome–positive B-ALL if refractory to TKIs or during R/R therapy for Philadelphia chromosome–negative B-ALL
    • GMALL regimen (idarubicin, dexamethasone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, cytarabine) for adults aged 65 years or more, or adults with substantial comorbidities with Philadelphia chromosome–negative B-ALL during frontline therapy, refractory therapy, or as a consideration if in late relapse (>3 years from initial diagnosis) if regimen used in frontline
    • ECOG1910 regimen (NCCN-preferred in frontline for adults aged <65 years without substantial comorbidities): induction phase 1 (daunorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, pegaspargase); and induction phase 2 (cyclophosphamide, cytarabine, mercaptopurine); plus blinatumomab as consolidation (for minimal residual disease negative) for AYA and adults less than 65 years without substantial comorbidities with Philadelphia chromosome–negative B-ALL during frontline therapy or as a consideration if in late relapse (>3 years from initial diagnosis) if regimen used in frontline
  • ​​Lupus nephritis refractory to corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate, hydroxychloroquine, azathioprine, cyclosporine)
  • Lymphoma, Hodgkin
    • For nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma ​(age ≥​18 years)
      • Primary treatment with involved-site RT (ISRT) for stage IB or IIB disease, or stage IA ​(bulky) or IIA (bulky or noncontiguous) disease, or with or without ISRT for stage III-IV disease ​​(based on clinical judgement), in combination with one of the following regimens:
        • ABVD 
        • RCHOP
        • CVbP (cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, prednisolone) 
      • Primary treatment ​for palliation as a single agent for: 
        • stage IA ​(bulky) or IIA (bulky or noncontiguous) disease
        • stage IB or IIB disease
        • stage III ​to IV disease ​(based on clinical judgement)
      • Second-line or subsequent treatment (if not previously used) for refractory, relapsed, or progressive disease
        • As a single agent   
        • In combination with one of the following regimens:
          1. DHAP
          2. ICE
          3. IGEV regimen
          4. Bendamustine
          5. ​​ABVD
          6. ​RCHOP
          7. CVbP
      • Maintenance therapy for individuals treated with ​second-line systemic therapy with rituximab alone for refractory, relapsed, or progressive disease
  • Lymphoma, ​Hodgkin (Pediatric)  
    • Nodula​r lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma: primary treatment for stage IA or IIA (incomplete resection and nonbulky disease) as a component of CVbP regimen with rituximab (NCCN-preferred)​​
  • Lymphoma, non-Hodgkin (NHL) 
    • High-grade B-cell lymphomas
      • Second-line and subsequent therapy with rituximab in individuals with intention to proceed to transplantation when they meet both of the following criteria:
        • One of the following conditions:
          • Relapsed disease >12 months after completion of first-line therapy 
          • ​Primary refractory disease (partial response, no response, or progression) or relapsed disease <12 months after completion of first-line therapy on noncandidates for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy
          • Alternative systemic therapy (if not previously used) for relapsed/refractory disease in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
        • As a component of one of the following regimens:
          • DHA (dexamethasone and cytarabine) + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin) ​ 
          • GDP (gemcitabine, dexamethasone, cisplatin)  
          • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone​, and carboplatin   
          • ICE
          • ESHAP
          • GemOx (gemcitabineoxaliplatin)
          • MINE
      • Second-line and subsequent therapy with rituximab in​ noncandidates for transplant when they meet both of the following criteria:  
        • One of the following conditions:
          • Relapsed disease >12 months after completion of first-line therapy 
          • ​Primary refractory disease (partial response, no response, or progression) or relapsed disease <12 months after completion of first-line therapy on noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
          • Alternative systemic therapy (if not previously used) for relapsed/refractory disease in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
        • ​As a component of one of the following regimens:​
          • ​Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq with or without bendamustine 
          • As a single agent
          • In combination with lenalidomide (nongerminal center diffuse large B-cell lymphoma), or bendamustine​
          • Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen​
          • CEOP​
          • GDP
          • GemOx
          • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, carboplatin
      • Used as clinically indicated as a bridging option until CAR T-cell product is available, in individuals with primary refractory disease or relapsed disease <12 months after completion of first-line therapy  
        • As a component of one of the following:
          • ​DHA + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin)
          • Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq with or without bendamustine (consider/add bendamustine only after leukopheresis)
          • GDP
          • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, carboplatin
          • GemOx
          • ICE
    • HIV-related B-cell lymphoma   
      • ​NCCN-preferred therapy in combination with growth factor support ​as first-line therapy for HIV-related Burkitt lymphoma as a component of one of the following:
        • DA-EPOCH-R 
        • Modified CODOX-M regimen alternating with IVAC regimen  
      • ​First-line therapy for HIV-related Burkitt lymphoma, in combination with growth factor support, as a component of R-HyperCVAD regimen
      • First-line therapy, in combination with growth factor support, for CD20+ HIV-​related diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and HHV8-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (NOS) as a component of:
        • ​R-EPOCH (rituximab, etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin) regimen (NCCN-preferred regimen)
      • Second-line and subsequent therapy for HIV-related diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and HHV8-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma NOS in individuals with intention to proceed to transplantation when they meet both of the following criteria:
        • ​One of the following conditions:
          • ​Relapsed disease >12 months after completion of first-line therapy 
          • ​Primary refractory disease (partial response, no response, or progression) or relapsed disease <12 months after completion of first-line therapy on noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
          • Alternative systemic therapy (if not previously used) for relapsed/refractory disease in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
        • As a component of one of the following regimens:
          • DHA (dexamethasone and cytarabine) + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin) regimen​​
          • ESHAP
          • GDP
          • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, carboplatin
          • GemOx
          • ICE
          • MINE
      • Second-line and subsequent therapy for HIV-related diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and HHV8-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma NOS in noncandidates for transplantation when they meet both of the following criteria:
        • One of the following conditions:
          • ​Relapsed disease >12 months after completion of first-line therapy 
          • ​Primary refractory disease (partial response, no response, or progression) or relapsed disease <12 months after completion of first-line therapy on noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
          • Alternative systemic therapy (if not previously used) for relapsed/refractory disease in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
        • As a component of one of the following regimens:
          • Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq with or without bendamustine
          • As a single agent
          • In combination with lenalidomide (nongerminal center diffuse large B-cell lymphoma), or bendamustine​
          • Dose-adjusted EPOCH (if not previously given)
          • CEOP
          • GDP
          • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, carboplatin
          • GemOx
      • ​Used as clinically in​dicated as a bridging option until CAR T-cell product is available for individuals with primary refractory disease or relapsed disease <12 months after completion of first-line therapy as a component of one of the following: 
        • ​DHA (dexamethasone and cytarabine) + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin) regimen
        • Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq with or without bendamustine (consider/add bendamustine only after leukapheresis)
        • GDP regimen
        • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and carboplatin regimen
        • GemOx regimen
        • ICE regimen
      • Second-line therapy for relapse of HIV-related Burkitt lymphoma as a component of:
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH (etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin) regimen with rituximab (if not previously given as first-line therapy)
        • RICE (rituximab, ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) regimen (in combination with intrathecal methotrexate if not previously given)
        • R-IVAC (rituximab, ifosfamide, cytarabine, etoposide) regimen (in combination with intrathecal methotrexate if not previously given)
        • RGDP (rituximab, gemcitabine, dexamethasone, cisplatin) regimen
        • High-dose cytarabine + rituximab regimen
    • Burkitt lymphoma
      • Pediatric individuals, ​​aged 6 months or greater with previously untreated, advanced stage, CD20-positive disease, in combination with chemotherapy.
      • Induction therapy for low-risk disease in individuals less than 60 years of age as a component of one of the following NCCN-preferred regimens:
        • CODOX-M (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine, with intrathecal methotrexate and cytarabine followed by high-dose systemic methotrexate) regimen (original or modified) with rituximab
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab and intrathecal methotrexate
        • HyperCVAD (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone) alternating with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine regimen with rituximab ​(regimen includes intrathecal therapy)
      • ​Induction therapy for high-risk disease in individuals less than 60 years of age, as a component of one of the following NCCN-preferred regimens ​(Note: high-risk individuals presenting with symptomatic central nervous system [CNS] disease should be started with the portion of the systemic therapy that contains CNS-penetrating drugs)  ​
        • CODOX-M regimen (original or modified) alternating with IVAC (ifosfamide, cytarabine, etoposide, and intrathecal methotrexate) regimen with rituximab
        • HyperCVAD alternating with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine regimen with rituximab ​(regimen includes intrathecal therapy)
      • ​Induction therapy for high-risk disease in individuals less than 60 years of age, as a component of dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab and intrathecal methotrexate (for high-risk individuals with baseline CNS disease who are not able to tolerate aggressive treatments)
      • ​Induction therapy (NCCN-preferred) for low-risk and high-risk disease in individuals 60 years of age or older, as a component of dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab and intrathecal methotrexate (Note: for high-risk individuals presenting with symptomatic CNS disease, the management of the CNS disease should be addressed with the initial regimen)
      • Second-line therapy for relapse of Burkitt lymphoma greater than 6 to 18 months following appropriate first-line therapy, or for individuals with partial response to second-line therapy as additional second-line therapy (if not previously given) for relapse or refractory disease as a component of one of the following:
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab and intrathecal methotrexate
        • ICE regimen with rituximab, and with intrathecal methotrexate if not previously given
        • R-IVAC regimen with intrathecal methotrexate if not previously given
        • RGDP regimen 
        • HDAC with rituximab regimen
    • ​​Burkitt-like lymphoma (BLL)          
      • ​​Pediatric individuals, ​​aged 6 months and older with previously untreated, advanced stage, CD20-positive disease, in combination with chemotherapy
    • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) 
      • First-line therapy
        • FCR for individuals with previously untreated CD20-positive CLL
        • As a component of FCR regimen for individuals with immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable-region (IGHV)-mutated CLL in individuals aged less than 65 years without significant comorbidities who have indications for treatment 
        • ​In combination with bendamustine as first-line therapy for CLL/SLL without del(17p)/TP53 mutation in individuals who are not frail​​ and have indications for treatment (consider when Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor [BTKi] and venetoclax are not available or contraindicated or rapid disease de-bulking is needed)
      • Therapy for relapsed or refractory CLL
        • As a component of FCR for individuals with previously treated CD20-positive CLL
      • Therapy for relapsed or refractory CLL with del(17p)/TP53 in individuals who have indications for retreatment​†
        • In combination with venetoclax (Venclexta) as second- or third-line therapy (NCCN-preferred regimen​)
        • In combination with alemtuzumab (Campath), lenalidomide, idelalisib (Zydelig), or high-dose methylprednisolone, after prior therapy with BTKi- and venetoclax-based regimens
      • ​First-line therapy in combination with high-dose methylprednisolone for CLL/SLL with del(17p)/TP53 mutation in individuals ​who have indications for treatment (consider when BTKi​ and venetoclax are not available or contraindicated or rapid disease de-bulking is needed)​
      • Initial therapy for histologic (Richter) transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (clonally related or unknown clonal status) as a component of one of the following regimens:
        • RCHOP
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH with rituximab regimen
        • HyperCVAD with rituximab regimen alternating with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine ​with rituximab regimen
        • OFAR (oxaliplatin, fl​udarabine, cytarabine, and rituximab) regimen
        • Venetoclax + RCHOP regimen
      • Second-line or third-line therapy in combination with venetoclax for CLL/SLL without del(17p)/TP53 mutation (NCCN-preferred regimen)​ in individuals with indications for treatment and​ one of the following: 
        • Intolerance to first-line therapy with a BTKi with or without anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (mAb)
        • Intolerance to first-line therapy with a BTKi with or without anti-CD20 mAb and following second-line therapy with an alternative BTKi​
        • ​Disease relapse after first-line therapy with fixed-duration treatment (chemoimmunotherapy or immunotherapy) in individuals with indications for treatment
        • Disease progression while on first-line therapy with a BTKi with or without anti-CD20 mAb
        • Disease progression or intolerance while on first-line therapy with fixed-duration treatment with chemoimmunotherapy or immunotherapy and following second-line therapy with a BTKi
      • In combination with venetoclax (if previously used) for CLL/SLL with or without del(17p)/TP53 as treatment for relapse after a period of remission in individuals ​with indications for treatment​
      • Subsequent therapy for relapsed or refractory CLL/SLL without del(17p)/TP53 mutation after prior therapy with BTKi- and venetoclax-based regimens in individuals who have indications for treatment
        • As a component of FCR regimen, in individuals aged less than 65 years of age without significant comorbidities
        • In combination with bendamustine in individuals aged less than 65 years without significant comorbidities and who are not frail 
        • in combination with high-dose methylprednisolone (HDMP), in individuals aged less than 65 years without significant comorbidities
      • ​Subsequent therapy in combination with idelalisib or lenalidomide for relapsed or refractory CLL/SLL without del(17p)/TP53 mutation after prior therapy with BTKi- and venetoclax-based regimens in individuals ​who have indications for treatment
Indications for treatment/re-treatment: eligible for clinical trial, significant disease-related symptoms (fatigue [severe], drenching night sweats, unintentional weight loss [≥10% in previous 6 months], fever without infection), threatened end-organ function, progressive, ​symptomatic, or bulky disease (spleen >6 cm below costal margin, lymph nodes >10 cm), progressive anemia, progressive thrombocytopenia, steroid-refractory autoimmune cytopenias.

    • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
      • Pediatric individuals, ​​aged 6 months and older with previously untreated, advanced stage, CD20-positive disease, in combination with chemotherapy
      • First-line therapy for* stage I-II (exclud​ing stage II with extensive mesenteric disease) as a component of​:
        • ​​RCHOP
        • ​​Pola-R-CHP (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone) regimen for stage modified International Prognostic Index (smIPI) >1
      • First-line therapy forstage II with extensive mesenteric disease or stage III-IV disease as a component of​:
          • ​​​RCHOP (NCCN-preferred)​​
          • Pola-R-CHP regimen for IPI ≥2 (NCCN-preferred)
          • Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab​
      • First-line therapy for stage I-IV disease in individuals with poor left ventricular function as a component of one of the following regimens:
        • RCDOP (rituximab, cyclophos​phamide, liposomal doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab
        • RCEOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vincristine, and prednisone) regimen
        • RGCVP (rituximab, gemcitabine, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisolone)
      • First-line therapy for stage I-IV disease in very frail individuals and individuals aged more than 80 years with comorbidities as a component of one of the following regimens:
        • RCDOP  
        • R-mini-CHOP
        • RGCVP  
      • First-line therapy for gray zone lymphoma as a component of one of the following:
        • RCHOP (NCCN-preferred)​ 
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab
      • First-line therapy for gray zone lymphoma in individuals with poor left ventricular function as a component of one of the following regimens:
        • ​RCDOP 
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab
        • RCEOP regimen with rituximab
        • RGCVP 
      • ​First-line therapy for gray zone lymphoma​ in very frail individuals and individuals aged more than 80 years with comorbidities as a component of one of the following regimens:
        • RCDOP 
        • R-mini-CHOP
        • RGCVP
      • Second-line or subsequent therapy for relapsed or refractory disease in individuals with intention to proceed to transplantwhen they meet both of the following criteria:
          • One of the following conditions:
            • Relapsed disease more than 12 months after completion of first-line therapy
            • Primary refractory disease (partial response, no response, or progression) or ​relapsed disease less than 12 months after completion of first-line therapy​ in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
            • Alternative systemic therapy (if not previously used) for relapsed/refractory disease in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
          • As a component of one of the following regimens:
            • DHA (dexamethasone and cytarabine) + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin) regimen​ (NCCN-preferred)
            • GDP​ (NCCN-preferred)
            • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and carboplatin regimen (NCCN-preferred)​ 
            • ICE (NCCN-preferred)​ 
            • ESHAP
            • GemOX (gemcitabine and oxaliplatin)
            • MINE
      • First-line treatment of primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma as a component of one of the following regimens:
        • RCHOP
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH
      • First-line therapy for ​extracutaneous primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type
        • As a component of one of the following regimens:
          1. Dose-adjusted EPOCH ​with rituximab
          2. RCHOP 
          3. Pola-R-CHP regimen for IPI ≥2
        • Individuals with poor left ventricular function as a component of one of the following regimens:
          1. RCDOP regimen
          2. Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab
          3. RCEOP regimen
          4. RGCVP
        • For very frail individuals and individuals aged more than 80 years with comorbidities as a component of one of the following regimens:
          1. RCDOP regimen
          2. R-mini-CHOP
          3. RGCVP
      • Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type, as a component of RCHOP for one of the following: 
        • ​First-line therapy with ISRT 
        • Second-line therapy (if not previously received) for solitary regional, T1-2 disease
        • First-line therapy for generalized cutaneous disease (skin only) T3 
      • Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type in individuals with poor left ventricular function, when they meet both of the following criteria:​ 
        • One of the following conditions:
          • ​First-line therapy with ISRT 
          • Second-line therapy (if not previously received) for solitary regional, T1-2 disease
          • First-line therapy for generalized cutaneous disease (skin only) T3 
        • As a component of one of the following regimens:
          • ​RCDOP   
          • Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab
          • RCEOP regimen with rituximab   
          • RGCVP    
      • ​Primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, leg type i​very frail individuals and individuals aged older than 80 years with comorbidities, when they meet both of the following criteria: ​     ​
        • One of the following conditions:
          • ​First-line therapy with ISRT 
          • Second-line therapy (if not previously received) for solitary regional, T1-2 disease
          • First-line therapy for generalized cutaneous disease (skin only) T3 
        • ​As a component of one of the following regimens:
          • ​RCDOP   
          • R-mini-CHOP
          • RGCVP    
      • Second-line and subsequent therapy with rituximab in noncandidates for transplant, when they meet both of the following criteria: 
        • One of the following conditions:
          • Relapsed disease more than 12 months after completion of first-line therapy 
          • ​Primary refractory disease (partial response, no response, or progression) or relapsed disease less than 12 months after completion of first-line therapy on noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
          • Alternative systemic therapy (if not previously used) for relapsed/refractory disease in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
        •  As a component of one of the following regimens:
          • Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq (with or without bendamustine) (NCCN-preferred) 
          • As a single agent
          • In combination with lenalidomide (nongerminal center diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) (regimens useful in certain circumstances outlined in NCCN guidelines)
          • Dose-adjusted EPOCH
          • CEOP
          • GDP
          • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, carboplatin
          • GemOx  
      • ​Used as clinically indicated as a bridging option until CAR T-cell product is available for individuals with primary refractory disease or relapsed disease less than 12 months after completion of first-line therapy as a component of one of the following: 
        • DHA (dexamethasone and c​ytarabine) + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin) regimen
        • Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq with or without bendamustine (consider/add bendamustine only after leukapheresis)
        • GDP regimen
        • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and carboplatin regimen
        • GemOx regimen
        • ICE regimen
    • ​​​Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of the Stomach  
      • ​Initial therapy (if irradiation is contraindicated) as a single agent for individuals with stage I1, or I2, or stage II1 disease in individuals who are Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)–positive and t(11;18) positive or who are H. pylori–negative 
      • ​As a single agent in individuals with indications for treatment**​ as:
        • ​​First-line therapy for stage IIE, or II2, or stage IV disease​ (distant nodal, advanced stage) 
        • Second-line or subsequent therapy for relapsed, refractory, or progressive disease 
      • As a single agent in individuals with indications for treatment** stage I1, or I2, or stage II1 disease as:  
        • ​Additional therapy for H. pylori–​positive disease if repeat endoscopy shows no response or recurrence after antibiotic therapy and ISRT
        • Additional therapy after ISRT alone for disease that is lymphoma positive after restaging with endoscopy
        • As additional therapy for recurrence for disease that is lymphoma positive after previous antibiotic therapy and locoregional ISRT
        • Second-line or subsequent therapy for relapsed, refractory, or progressive disease if longer duration of remission
      • As a single agent (NCCN-preferred) or in combination with chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide in elderly or infirm individuals with indicat​ions for treatment** where tolerability of combination chemotherapy is a concern as:
        • ​​First-line therapy for stage IIE, or II2, or stage IV (distant nodal, advanced stage) disease
        • Second-line or subsequent therapy for relapsed, refractory, or progressive disease
      • As a single agent (NCCN-preferred) or in combination with chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide in older or infirm individuals with indications for treatment**​ when tolerability of combination chemoimmunotherapy is a concern and stage I1, or I2, or stage II1 disease as:
        • Additional therapy for H. pyloripositive disease if repeat endoscopy shows no response or recurrence after antibiotic therapy and ISRT
        • Additional therapy after ISRT or rituximab alone for disease that is lymphoma positive after restaging with endoscopy
        • As additional therapy for recurrence for disease that is lymphoma positive after previous antibiotic therapy and locoregional ISRT
        • Second-line or subsequent therapy for relapsed, refractory, or progressive disease
      • ​Individuals with indications for treatment** as a NCCN-preferred component of RCHOP, RCVP, or in combination with bendamustine
        • ​As first-line therapy for stage IIE, or II2, or stage IV disease (distant nodal, advanced stage)
        • As additional therapy for stage I1, or I2, or stage II1 H. pylori–​positive disease if repeat endoscopy shows no response or recurrence after antibiotic therapy and ISRT
        • As additional therapy after ISRT or rituximab alone for stage I1, or I2, or stage II1 disease that is lymphoma positive after restaging with endoscopy
        • As additional therapy for recurrence for stage I1, or I2, or stage II1 disease that is lymphoma positive after previous antibiotic therapy and locoregional ISRT
      • Second-line or subsequent therapy (NCCN-preferred) for relapsed, refractory, or progressive disease in individuals with the indications for treatment** in one of the following regimens:
        • ​Bendamustine with rituximab (if bendamustine ​not previously used)
        • RCHOP
        • RCVP
        • Lenalidomide with rituximab, ​including for the elderly or infirm when tolerability of combination therapy is a concern
**Indications for treatment of gastric MALT lymphoma are as follows: candidate for clinical trial, symptoms, gastrointestinal bleeding, ​threatened end-organ function, clinically significant bulky disease, steady or rapid progression.

    • Follicular lymphoma, Classic
      • First-line therapy for stage I, contiguous stage II, noncontiguous stage II disease, or for individuals with indications for treatment* with stage III or IV disease (NCCN-preferred for high tumor burden)
        • ​​As a component of RCHOP or RCVP regimen
        • In combination with bendamustine or lenalidomide 
      • First-line therapy for stage I, contiguous stage II, noncontiguous stage II disease, or for individuals with indications for treatment* with stage III or IV disease, as a single agent (NCCN-preferred for low tumor burden)  
      • Elderly or infirm individuals, as a single agent (NCCN-preferred), when tolerability of combination chemotherapy is a concern as:
        • First-line therapy fo​r stage I, contiguous stage II, noncontiguous stage II disease, or for individuals with indications for treatment* with stage III or IV disease 
        • Second-line and subsequent therapy (if not previously given) for no response, relapsed, or progressive disease individuals with indications for treatment*
      • Elderly or infirm individuals with indications for treatment* in combination with cyclophosphamide as:
        • First-line therapy for stage I, contiguous stage II, noncontiguous stage II disease, or for individuals with indications for treatment* with stage III or IV disease 
        • Second-line and subsequent therapy (if not previously given) for no response, relapsed, or progressive disease individuals with indications for treatment*
      • Elderly or infirm individuals with indications for treatment* in combination with chlorambucil as first-line therapy for stage I, contiguous stage II, noncontiguous stage II disease, or for individuals with indications for treatment* with stage III or IV disease 
      • First-line therapy for stage I, II pediatric-type follicular lymphoma in adults with extensive local disease who are not candidates for excision or ISRT, as a component RCHOP regimen
      • Second-line or subsequent therapy (if not previously given) for no response, relapsed, or progressive disease in individuals with the indications for treatment* in one of the following regimens:
        • As a single agent (NCCN-preferred in older or infirm)  
        • Bendamustine with rituximab (NCCN-preferred)  
        • RCHOP (NCCN-preferred)       
        • RCVP (NCCN-preferred)          
        • Lenalidomide with rituximab (NCCN-preferred)    
      • Maintenance therapy
        • First-line extended therapy in individuals with the indications for treatment* if initially treated with single-agent rituximab​​
        • NCCN-preferred as first-line extended dosing for individuals initially presenting with high tumor burden (stage III,IV) who achieve a complete or partial response following treatment with RCHOP regimen or RCVP regimen
        • ​NCCN-preferred​ second-line extended dosing
*Indications for treatment of follicular lymphoma are as follows: candidate for clinical trial, symptoms, threatened end-organ function, clinically significant or progressive cytopenia secondary to lymphoma, clinically significant bulky disease, steady ​or rapid progression.

    • Hairy cell leukemia
      • In combination with cladribine in individuals with the indication for treatment*** for initial therapy (NCCN preferred)
      • In combination with cladribine in individuals with the indication for treatment***​ for relapse at 2 or more years if pentostatin was used as initial therapy​ (NCCN preferred)
      • In combination with pentostatin in individuals with the indication for treatment***​ for relapse at 2 or more years if cladribine ​was used as initial therapy​ (NCCN preferred)
      • In combination with cladribine in individuals with the indication for treatment***​ for less than complete response or relapse within 2 years of complete response if pentostatin was used as initial therapy
      • Icombination with pentostatin in individuals with the indication for treatment*** for less than complete response or relapse within 2 years of complete response if cladribine was used as initial therapy
      • Icombination with vemurafenib in individuals with the indication for treatment*** for progression after therapy for relapsed/refractory disease​ (NCCN preferred)
      • Icombination with vemurafenib in individuals with the indication for treatment*** for​ less than complete response or relapse within 2 years of complete response if cladribine or pentostatin was used as initial therapy (NCCN preferred)
      • In combination with vemurafenib in individuals with the indication for treatment*** as initial therapy (consider for individuals unable to receive purine analogues, including frail or those with active infection)​
      • I​combination with cladribine or pentostatin in individuals with the indication for treatment*** ​as retreatment for relapse 2 years or greater following initial treatment (NCCN preferred)
      • In combination with venetoclax in individuals with the indication for treatment*** for progression after therapy for relapsed/refractory disease (for individuals with disease resistant to BRAF inhibitor therapy)
      • As a single agent in individuals with the indication for treatment*** for individuals who are unable to receive purine analogues for one of the following:
        • Less than complete response or relapse within 2 years following initial treatment  
        • Relapse 2 or more years following initial treatment 
***Indications for treatment of hairy cell leukemia are as follows: systemic symptoms with physical discomfort due to splenomegaly or hepatomegaly, unexplained weight loss (>10% within prior 6 months), excessive fatigue, ​cytopenias (hemoglobin ​<11 g/dL, platelets ​<100,000/μL, absolute neutrophil count ​​[ANC] ​<1000/μL), progressive lymphocytosis or lymphadenopathy.  

    • ​​​Histiocytic neoplasms (Rosai-Dorfman disease) 
      • ​First-line or subsequent therapy, irrespective of mutation, for IgG4-related, nodal and immune-cytopenia diseases​, as a single agent, for:
        • ​Symptomatic unresectable (bulky/site of disease) unifocal disease
        • Symptomatic multifocal disease
        • Relapsed/refractory disease
    • ​​Histologic transformation of indolent lymphomas to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma 
      • Histologic transformation of follicular or marginal zone lymphoma to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or HGBL with MYC and BCL6 and without BCL2 rearrangements after minimal or no prior therapy as a component of:
        • RCHOP
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH
        • Pola-R-CHP regimen for IPI ≥2
      • Histologic transformation of follicular or marginal zone lymphoma to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or HGBL with MYC and BCL6 and without BCL2 rearrangements after minimal or no prior therapy in those with poor left ventricular function, as a component of:
        • RCDOP regimen
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen with rituximab
        • RCEOP regimen with rituximab
        • RGCVP
      • Histologic transformation of follicular or marginal zone lymphoma to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma or HGBL with MYC and BCL6 and without BCL2 rearrangements after minimal or no prior therapy in those very frail and/or aged more than 80 years with comorbidities, as a component of:
        • ​RCDOP
        • R-mini-CHOP regimen
        • RGCVP
      • Partial response, no response, progressive, or relapsed disease following chemoimmunotherapy for histologic transformation of follicular or marginal zone lymphoma after minimal or no prior therapy, as additional therapy 
      • Histologic transformation of follicular or marginal zone lymphoma after multiple lines of prior therapies including two or more chemoimmunotherapy regimens for indolent or transformed disease
      • NCCN-preferred without regard to transplant if not previously given as a component of RCHOP regimen (Note: If partial response and proceeding to transplant, consider additional systemic therapy not previously given with or without involved site RT to induce complete response prior to transplant)
      • NCCN-preferred in individuals with intention to proceed to transplant if previously treated with an anthracycline-based regimen as a component of one of the following:
        • RDHA regimen
        • GDP with rituximab regimen
        • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and carboplatin with rituximab regimen
        • ICE with rituximab regimen
      • NCCN-preferred in noncandidates for transplant if previously treated with anthracycline-based regimen as a component of polatuzumab vedotin-piiq with or without bendamustine and with rituximab
      • Used in noncandidates for transplant as a component of one of the following:
        • CEOP with rituximab regimen
        • ​​GDP with rituximab regimen
        • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and carboplatin with rituximab regimen​
        • GemOX with rituximab regimen
      • Induction therapy for HGBLs with MYC and BCL2 with or without BCL6 rearrangements and HGBL, not otherwise specified as a component of:
        • RCHOP
        • Dose-adjusted EPOCH
        • Hyper-CVAD alternating with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine regimen with rituximab
        • R-CODOX-M regimen alternating with R-IVAC regimen
      • ​Induction therapy for HGBLs with MYC and BCL2 with or without BCL6 rearrangements and HGBL, not otherwise specified as a component of R-mini-CHOP regimen
    • ​Mantle cell lymphoma
      • ​​Aggressive induction therapy when both of the following criteria ​are met: ​
        • One of the following conditions:
          • Additional therapy for stage I-II disease following partial response, progression, or relapse after initial treatment with ISRT alone
          • Re-induction therapy for stage I-II disease (in selected cases outlined in NCCN guidelines) for relapse after initial treatment with chemoimmunotherapy
          • For classical or symptomatic indolent TP53 wildtype stage II bulky noncontiguous or stage III, IV disease
        • As a component of one of the following regimens: 
          • LyMA regimen: RDHA regimen conditionally followed by RCHOP ​for non-PET complete response (NCCN-preferred)
          • HyperCVAD alternating with high-dose methotrexate and cytarabine regimen with rituximab (Note: rituximab + covalent BTKi (acalabrutinib, ibrutinib, or zanubrutinib) can be used as a pretreatment to limit the number of cycles of R-HyperCVAD/rituximab maintenance)
          • NORDIC (dose-intensified induction immunochemotherapy with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and prednisone [maxi-CHOP] alternating with rituximab and high-dose cytarabine) regimen (NCCN-preferred)
          • Bendamustine with rituximab followed by rituximab ​in combination with high-dose cytarabine (NCCN-preferred)
          • TRIANGLE regimen: alternating RCHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) + ibrutinib/RDHAP (rituximab, dexamethasone, and cytarabine) + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin) regimen (NCCN-preferred)
          • RBAC500 (rituximab, bendamustine, and cytarabine) regimen
      • Less-aggressive induction therapy, when they meet both of the following criteria:  
        • One of the following conditions:
          • Initial therapy for stag​e I-II disease
          • Additional therapy for stag​e I-II disease for partial response, progression, or relapse after initial treatment with ISRT alone 
          • Re-induction therapy for stag​e I-II disease​ (in selected cases outlined in NCCN guidelines) for relapse after initial treatment with chemoimmunotherapy in those who are not suitable for aggressive therapy  
          • For classical or indolent TP53 wildtype stage II bulky noncontiguous or stage III, IV disease in those who are not suitable for aggressive therapy 
        • As a component of one of the following regimens:
          • In combination with bendamustine or lenalidomide (NCCN-preferred)
          • VR-CAP regimen (NCCN-preferred)
          • RCHOP (NCCN-preferred) 
          • In combination with​ acalabrutinib
      • ​NCCN-preferred less-aggressive induction therapy classical indolent TP53 mutated stage II bulky noncontiguous or stage III, IV disease (in absence of clinical trial) with the following:
        • ​In combination with bendamustine or lenalidomide
        • VR-CAP regimen
        • RCHOP regimen
      • In combination with acalabrutinib as less-aggressive therapy if not suitable for aggressive therapy
      • As a component of TRIANGLE regimen: alternating RCHOP + ibrutinib/RDHAP (rituximab, dexamethasone, and cytarabine) + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin) regimen (NCCN-preferred), if suitable for aggressive therapy
      • Maintenance therapy, in combination with ibrutinib as: ​
        • For complete response following aggressive induction therapy
        • Following high dose therapy/autologous stem cell rescue​
      • Maintenance therapy, as a single agent, for classical or indolent TP53 wildtype following complete response or very good partial response to less-aggressive induction therapy with BR (bendamustine and rituximab) regimen or RCHOP
      • Second-line and subsequent therapy in combination with lenalidomide (NCCN-preferred) or in combination with ibrutinib for:
        • Stage I-II disease with partial response, relapse, or progression after prior treatment with chemoimmunotherapy
        • ​Classical or indolent TP53 wildtype stage II bulky noncontiguous or stage III, IV disease in individuals who have no response or progressive disease or partial response with substantial disease after induction therapy
        • Relapsed or refractory disease (if not previously given)
      • ​Second-line therapy or subsequent therapy (in certain circumstances outlined in NCCN guidelines) for stage I-II disease with partial response, relapse, or progression after prior treatment with chemoimmunotherapy; or for classical or indolent stage II bulky noncontiguous or stage III, IV disease ​in those with no response or progressive disease or partial response with substantial disease after induction therapy; or for relapsed or refractory disease ​in one of the following regimens:
        • ​In combination with bendamustine (if not previously given)
        • RBAC500 (rituximab, bendamustine, and cytarabine) regimen​ (if not previously treated with bendamustine) 
        • ​In combination with bortezomib
        • RDHA (dexamethasone and cytarabine) + platinum (carboplatin, cisplatin, or oxaliplatin) + rituximab regimen (if not previously given)
        • GemOx with rituximab
        • ​In combination with venetoclax

    • ​Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma
      • First-line, second-line, or subsequent therapy ​for relapsed, refractory, or progressive disease, as a single agent (NCCN-preferred) or in combination with chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide for ​the following: 
        • ​​Stage I 
        • Contiguous stage II  
        • Stage III or IV disease in elderly or infirm individuals with indications for treatment where tolerability of combination chemotherapy is a concern
      • NCCN-preferred first-line therapy for stage I, contiguous stage II, noncontiguous stage II, or stage III, IV disease in individuals with indications for treatment in one of the following regimens:
        • RCHOP
        • RCVP
        • Bendamustine with rituximab
      • First-line therapy as a single agent for stage I, contiguous stage II, noncontiguous stage II, or stage III, IV disease in individuals with indications for treatment 
      • NCCN-preferred second-line or subsequent therapy for relapsed, refractory, or progressive disease in individuals with indications for treatment in one of the following regimens:
        • Bendamustine with rituximab (if not previously treated with bendamustine)
        • RCHOP
        • RCVP
        • Lenalidomide with rituximab ​including for the elderly or infirm when tolerability of combination therapy is a concern
      • Maintenance as optional first-line extended therapy  
      • Second-line or subsequent therapy as a single agent for relapsedrefractory or progressive disease in individuals with the indications for treatment​ (if longer duration of remission)
Indications for ​treatment of nodal marginal zone lymphoma include: candidate for clinical trial, symptoms, threatened end-organ function, clinically significant or progressive cytopenia secondary to the lymphoma, clinically significant bulky disease, steady ​or rapid progression.

    • Nongastric MALT lymphoma (noncutaneous)
      • First-line therapy for stage IE or contiguous IIE disease in selected cases
      • First-line, second-line, or subsequent therapy ​for relapsed, refractory, or progressive disease as a single agent ​(NCCN-preferred) or in combination with chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide for stage IV disease or in recurrent stage IE or contiguous stage IIE​ disease in elderly or infirm individuals with the indications for treatment**** where tolerability of combination chemotherapy is a concern
      • First-line therapy (NCCN-preferred) for stage IV disease or recurrent stage IE or contiguous stage IIE​ disease in individuals with the indications for treatment**** in one of the following regimens:
        • RCHOP
        • RCVP
        • Bendamustine with rituximab
      • First-line therapy as a single agent for stage IV disease or recurrent stage IE or contiguous stage IIE​ disease in individuals with the indications for treatment****  
      • Maintenance as optional first-line extended therapy   
      • NCCN-preferred second-line or subsequent therapy for relapsedrefractory, or for progressive disease in individuals with the indications for treatment**** in one of the following regimens:
        • Bendamustine with rituximab (if not previously given)
        • RCHOP
        • RCVP
        • In combination with lenalidomide, including for the elderly or infirm when tolerability of combination chemotherapy is a concern
      • Second-line or subsequent therapy as a single agent for relapsedrefractory, or progressive disease in individuals with the indications for treatment****​ (if longer duration of remission)
****Indications for treatment of nongastric MALT lymphoma include: candidate for clinical trial, symptoms, gastrointestinal bleeding, ​threatened end-organ function, clinically significant bulky disease, steady or rapid progression.  

    • ​​Pediatric aggressive mature B-cell lymphomas (age 6 months) - Burkitt Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
      • ​​​Induction therapy for individuals with 20% or greater size reduction after COP reduction phase as a component of Children's Oncology Group (COG) Adolescent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (ANHL)1131 regimen B/induction 1 and 2 with COPADM with rituximab regimen (NCCN preferred) for:
        • Group B individuals with low-risk disease (unresected stage I or nonabdominal stage II individuals or any stage III individual with lactate dehydrogenase [LDH] 2 or less times the upper limit of normal [ULN])
        • Group B individuals with high-risk disease (any stage III individual with LDH >2 times ULN, and all non-CNS stage IV individuals with <25% bone marrow involvement)
      • Consolidation therapy 1 for individuals with 20% or greater size reduction after COP reduction phase as a component of COG ANHL1131 regimen B with CYM (cytarabine, methotrexate, and intrathecal therapy with methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone) with rituximab regimen (NCCN preferred) for:
        • ​Group B individuals with low-risk disease (unresected stage I or nonabdominal stage II individuals or any stage III individual with LDH ≤2 times the ULN)
        • ​Group B individuals with high-risk disease (any stage III individual with LDH >2 times ULN, and all non-CNS stage IV individuals with <25% bone marrow involvement)
      • ​Induction therapy as a component of COG ANHL1131 regimen C1/induction 1 and 2 with R-COPADM with rituximab regimen (NCCN preferred) for:
        • Group B individuals with <20% size reduction after COP reduction phase
        • Group C individuals with CNS-negative disease after initial treatment with COP reduction phase
        • Group C individuals with CNS-positive and CSF-negative or -positive disease after initial treatment with COP reduction phase
      • Alternative induction therapy as a component of COG ANHL1131 regimen C3/induction 1 and 2 with R-COPADM with rituximab regimen (NCCN preferred) for: 
        • ​​Group C individuals with CNS- and CSF-positive disease
        • Group C individuals on regimen C1 therapy with less than 20% size reduction after COP reduction phase​
      • Consolidation therapy 1 and 2 as a component of COG ANHL1131 regimen C1 with R-CYVE with rituximab regimen (NCCN preferred) for:
        • Group B individuals with less than complete response after first cycle of consolidation with CYM regimen
        • Group C individuals with CNS-negative disease
        • Group C individuals with CNS-positive disease, plus high-dose methotrexate and additional intrathecal therapy with methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone after R-CYVE 1 only
      • ​Consolidation therapy 1 and 2 as a component of COG ANHL1131 regimen C3 with R-CYVE with rituximab regimen (NCCN preferred) for group C individuals with CNS- and CSF-positive disease, plus high-dose methotrexate and additional intrathecal therapy with methotrexate, cytarabine, and hydrocortisone after R-CYVE 1 only
      • As a component of R-CYVE with rituximab regimen as treatment for relapsed/refractory disease if not previously received as a part of initial therapy (NCCN preferred)
      • As a component of R-ICE (ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide) with rituximab regimen as treatment for relapsed/refractory disease (NCCN preferred)​​
    • ​​​Pediatric aggressive mature B-cell lymphomas (age ≥​6 months) - Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma  
      • Induction th​erapy/initial treatment as a component of:
        • DA-EPOCH (etoposide, prednisolone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, and doxorubicin) with rituximab regimen​ (NCCN preferred) 
        • R-CHOP (NCCN preferred) 
      • Relapsed or refractory disease as a component of: 
        • ​DHAP with rituximab regimen (NCCN preferred)
        • ICE with rituximab regimen (NCCN preferred) 
      • Induction therapy/initial treatment as a component of LMB-modified B/C chemotherapy with rituximab for R-COPADM (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and intrathecal therapy with methotrexate and hydrocortisone) with rituximab regimen
      • Consolidation therapy as a component of LMB-modified B/C chemotherapy with rituximab for R-CYVE with rituximab regimen​​
    • Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)
      • Used as clinically indicated as a bridging option until CAR T-cell product is available for individuals with primary refractory disease or relapsed disease less than12 months after completion of first-line therapy as a component of one of the following: 
        • DHA regimen
        • Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq with or without bendamustine (consider/add bendamustine only after leukapheresis)
        • GDP regimen
        • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and carboplatin regimen
        • GemOx regimen
        • ICE regimen
      • ​Single-agent therapy as:
        • First-line therapy for monomorphic (B-cell type) or polymorphic (B-cell type) PTLD
        • Second-line therapy for partial response, persistent or progressive nondestructive lesions or for partial response, persistent or progressive monomorphic (B-cell type) PTLD if immunosuppressive was reduced in first-line therapy (or for those with partial response to initial treatment with rituximab monotherapy and IPI 0-2)​
        • Maintenance therapy for polymorphic (B-cell type) PTLD achieving complete response on first-line therapy
      • ​​Concurrent chemoimmunotherapy for CD20+ disease as a component of RCHOP, RCVP, RCEPP, or RCEOP regimen with rituximab for frail individuals who cannot tolerate anthracyclines as:
        • First-line therapy for monomorphic (B-cell type) or systemic polymorphic (B-cell type) PTLD
        • Second-line therapy for persistent or progressive monomorphic (B-cell type) or polymorphic (B-cell type) PTLD
      • Sequential chemoimmunotherapy as a single agent followed by CHOP regimen as: 
        • ​First-line therapy for monomorphic (B-cell type) or systemic polymorphic (B-cell type) PTLD
        • Second-line therapy for partial response, persistent or progressive monomorphic (B-cell type) or polymorphic (B-cell type) PTLD
      • In combination with high-dose methotrexate for primary CNS PTLD (B-cell type)
      • ​Second-line and subsequent therapy for individuals with monomorphic PTLD (B-cell type) for one of the following:  
        • Relapsed disease less than 12 months after completion of initial treatment with chemoimmunotherapy 
        • ​Primary refractory disease (partial response, no response, or progression) or relapsed disease less than 12 months after completion of initial treatment with chemoimmunotherapy ​in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
        • Alternative systemic therapy (if not previously used) for relapsed/refractory disease in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
      • ​​Second-line and subsequent therapy for individuals with monomorphic PTLD (B-cell type) with intention to proceed to transplant, as a component of: ​​
        • ​DHA regimen​
        • ESHAP       
        • GDP regimen
        • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and carboplatin regimen
        • GemOX regimen
        • ICE
        • MINE
      • ​Second-line and subsequent therapy for individuals with monomorphic PTLD (B-cell type) in noncandidates for transplant​ when they meet both of the following criteria:  
        • One of the following conditions:
          • Relapsed disease less than 12 months after completion of initial treatment with chemoimmunotherapy 
          • ​Primary refractory disease (partial response, no response, or progression) or relapsed disease less than 12 months after completion of initial treatment with chemoimmunotherapy ​in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy​
          • Alternative systemic therapy (if not previously used) for relapsed/refractory disease in noncandidates for CAR T-cell therapy
        • ​As a component of one of the following regimens:​
          • ​Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq with or without bendamustine 
          • As a single agent
          • In combination with lenalidomide (nongerminal center diffuse large B-cell lymphoma), or bendamustine​
          • Dose-adjusted EPOCH regimen​ (if not previously given)
          • CEOP​
          • GDP
          • GemOx
          • Gemcitabine, dexamethasone, carboplatin
    • Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma
      • Therapy for primary cutaneous marginal zone or follicle center lymphoma with:
        • Generalized disease (skin only), T3
        • Solitary/regional, T1-2 disease that is refractory to initial therapy  
    • ​Splenic marginal zone lymphoma
      • Single-agent therapy (NCCN-preferred) for symptomatic individuals with splenomegaly who have one of the following features:
        • Hepatitis C negative
        • Hepatitis C positive with contraindications for hepatitis treatment
        • Hepatitis C positive with no response to appropriate hepatitis treatment
      • First-line (if treatment naive), second-line or subsequent therapy as a single agent (NCCN-preferred) or in combination with chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide in elderly or infirm individuals with the indications for treatment upon disease recurrence following initial treatment for splenomegaly where tolerability of combination chemotherapy is a concern
      • First-line therapy (NCCN-preferred) in treatment-naive individuals with the indications for treatment for ​disease recurrence following initial treatment for splenomegaly in one of the following regimens:
        • As a single agent
        • RCHOP
        • RCVP
        • Bendamustine with rituximab
      • Maintenance as optional first-line extended therapy in individuals  
      • NCCN-preferred second-line (if previously treated with rituximab) and subsequent therapy for disease recurrence in combination with lenalidomide for disease recurrence in those with indications for treatment, including elderly or infirm when tolerability of combination chemotherapy is a concern  
      • Second-line and subsequent therapy as a single agent for disease recurrence in those with indications for treatment (if previously treated with rituximab with a longer duration of remission) 
      • NCCN-preferred ​second-line (if prior treatment with rituximab) or subsequent therapy for disease recurrence in individuals with the indications for treatment in one of the following regimens:
        • Bendamustine with rituximab (if not previously given)
        • RCHOP
        • RCVP
Indications for treatment of splenic marginal cell lymphoma include: candidate for clinical trial, symptoms, cytopenias including autoimmune cytopenia, threatened end-organ function, clinically significant bulky disease, steady or rapid progression.

  • Multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting, after documented failure, contraindication or intolerance to at least two other disease-modifying treatments (DMTs)  
  • Myasthenia gravis
    • Refractory to previous treatments (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, plasma exchange, IVIG, thymectomy) as demonstrated through baseline and periodic evaluation of disease status through 1) the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) clinical classification, or 2) the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score
  • Nephrotic syndrome, including minimal change disease, in pediatric individuals when disease is refractory to corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil)
  • Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)
  • Pemphigoid diseases refractory to corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies
    • Bullous pemphigoid
    • Mucous membrane pemphigoid, including ocular cicatricial pemphigoid
    • Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
  • Pemphigus diseases (i.e., pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus foliaceus, and paraneoplastic pemphigus) as first-line or subsequent-line of treatment
  • Pure red cell aplasia, refractory to other standard therapies (e.g., corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis, active
    • In combination with methotrexate, unless documented failure, contraindication or intolerance exists, in adults with moderate-to-severe active rheumatoid arthritis who have had an inadequate response to at least a 3-month trial of one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF)antagonist therapies
  • Scleroderma refractory to at least 3 months of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil)
  • Sjö​gren syndrome, primary, refractory to corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, azathioprine)
  • ​Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), refractory to other immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil)   ​
  • Thrombocytopenic purpura, immune or idiopathic (ITP) when the individual has a documented platelet count <30 × 109/L  
  • Thrombocytopenic purpura, thrombotic (TTP)
    • In combination with corticosteroids and therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), unless documented failure, contraindication, or intolerance exists.
  • Transplantation, prophylaxis 
    • For prophylaxis, to reduce cardiac or renal transplantation rejection (pre- and post-) by reducing HLA antibodies in previously sensitized individuals
      • In combination with IVIG alone, or in combination with IVIG and TPE
  • ​Transplantation, antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) 
    • For refractory cardiac, lung, pancreas, or renal transplantation AMR
      • In combination or after failure of either IVIG alone, or IVIG in combination with TPE

  • Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
    • Used as a component of CaRD as primary therapy or for relapse if ​previously used as primary therapy ​that was well tolerated and elicited a prolonged response
    • Primary therapy, for relapse if previously used as primary therapy that was well tolerated and elicited a prolonged response, or as alternative therapy for previously treated disease with persistent symptoms following primary therapy, or that does not respond to primary therapy, or for progressive or relapsed disease
      • As a single agent
      • In combination with bendamustine (NCCN-preferred regimen)​
      • In combination with bortezomib with dexamethasone (NCCN-preferred regimen)   
      • In combination with cyclophosphamide and prednisone 
      • In combination with cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone (NCCN-preferred when not used as primary therapy)
      • In combination with ibrutinib (NCCN-preferred)
      • In combination with ixazomib and dexamethasone
    • ​Maintenance therapy in select individuals after chemoimmunotherapy regimens​
    • Management of symptomatic Bing-Neel syndrome if systemic control is needed in combination with one of the following:
      • Ibrutinib (NCCN-preferred)
      • ​Zanubrutinib (NCCN-preferred)
      • Bendamustine
      • Methotrexate (intravenous)
      • Fludarabine
      • Cytarabine
    • Alternative therapy for previously treated disease with persistent symptoms following primary therapy or that does not respond to primary therapy or for progressive or relapsed disease
      • As a component of RCHOP
      • ​In combination with cladribine or fludarabine, or as a component of FCR (fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab) regimen in individuals who are not potential autologous stem cell transplant candidates

RITUXIMAB AND HYALURONIDASE HUMAN (RITUXAN HYCELA)

Rituximab and hyaluronidase human (Rituxan Hycela) for subcutaneous injection is considered medically necessary and, therefore, covered as a substitute for rituximab and related biosimilars after at least one full dose of rituximab infusion or related biosimilars is administered, and when the following criteria are m​et: 
  • Castleman Disease (CD)
    • As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies​
  • Lymphoma, Hodgkin 
    • ​​As a sing​le agent​​
  • Lymphoma, non-Hodgkin (NHL)
    • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
      • With fludarabine, cyclophosphamide (FCR), for the treatment of previously untreated and previously treated CLL
      • ​As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies
    • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
      • Previously untreated DLBCL in combination with CHOP or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens
      • As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies  
    • Follicular lymphoma
      • Relapsed or refractory, follicular lymphoma as a single agent
      • Previously untreated follicular lymphoma in combination with first-line chemotherapy and, in individuals achieving a complete or partial response to rituximab in combination with chemotherapy, as single-agent maintenance therapy
      • Nonprogressing (including stable disease) follicular lymphoma as a single agent after first-line CVP chemotherapy
      • Classic follicular lymphoma as a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies 
    • Gastric MALT lymphoma
      • As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies 
    • Hairy cell leukemia
      • As a​ single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies
    • High-grade B-cell lymphomas 
      • As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies
    • Histologic transformation of marginal zone lymphoma to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
      • As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies  
    • Mantle cell lymphoma
      • As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies
    • Nodal marginal zone lymphoma
      • As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies 
    • Nongastric MALT lymphoma (noncutaneous)
      • As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies 
    • Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)
      • As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies
    • Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas
      • ​Primary cutaneous marginal zone or follicle center lymphoma with one of the following: solitary/regional, T1-2 disease that is refractory to initial therapy​ or generalized disease (skin only), T3
    • Splenic marginal zone lymphoma
      • As a single agent or in combination with other systemic therapies 
  • Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
    • As a sing​le agent​
MANDATES 

PENNSYLVANIA MEMBERS
In accordance with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Act 6 of 2020 or Fair Access to Cancer Treatment Act, for members who are enrolled in Pennsylvania commercial products who have stage 4, advanced metastatic cancer, refer to the Medical Policy titled "Coverage of Anticancer Prescription Oral and Injectable Drugs and Biologics and Supportive agents (08.01.08)" for additional information regarding the applicable coverage of drugs and biologics.

NOT MEDICALLY NECESSARY

Use of a nonpreferred rituximab ​product is considered not medically necessary and, therefore, not covered since it is more costly than the preferre​d product that is at least as likely to produce equivalent therapeutic results for that individual's illness.​​

EXPERIMENTAL/INVESTIGATIONAL

All other uses of rituximab infusion and related biosimilars, including the list below, are considered experimental/investigational and, therefore, not covered unless the indication is supported as an accepted off-label use, as defined in the medical policy on off-label coverage for prescription drugs and biologics.
  • Anti-myelin​associated glycoprotein (anti-MAG) antibody demyelinating neuropathy
  • Autoimmune encephalitis
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)
  • Dermatomyositis and polymyositis
  • Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
  • Minimal change disease in adults
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) subtypes, other than relapsing-remitting
  • Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome
All other uses of rituximab and hyaluronidase human (Rituxan Hycela) for subcutaneous injection are considered experimental/investigational and, therefore, not covered unless the indication is supported as an accepted off-label use, as defined in the medical policy on off-label coverage for prescription drugs and biologics.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

The individual's medical record must reflect the medical necessity for the care provided. These medical records may include, but are not limited to: records from the professional provider's office, hospital, nursing home, home health agencies, therapies, and test reports.

The Company may conduct reviews and audits of services to our members, regardless of the participation status of the provider. All documentation is to be available to the Company upon request. Failure to produce the requested information may result in a denial for the drug.

BILLING REQUIREMENTS  

 

For drugs that have more than one method of administration, the appropriate modifier must be appended to indicate the route of administration.

  • To report the intravenous route of administration, append the following modifier: JA Administered Intravenously
  • To report the subcutaneous route of administration, append the following modifier: JB Administered Subcutaneously

Inclusion of a code in this policy does not imply reimbursement. Eligibility, benefits, limitations, exclusions, utilization management/referral requirements, provider contracts, and Company policies apply.​


Guidelines

Rituximab infusion and related biosimilars are administered by intravenous infusion; they should not be given as a push or bolus.

Rituximab and hyaluronidase human (Rituxan Hycela) is administered by subcutaneous injection over 5 to 7 minutes. The initial dose of rituximab infusion (i.e., administered as Cycle 1) is required to be administered before treatment with rituximab and hyaluronidase human (Rituxan Hycela) for subcutaneous injection.

BLACK BOX WARNINGS

Refer to the specific manufacturer's prescribing information for any applicable Black Box Warnings.

BENEFIT APPLICATION

Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable benefit contract, rituximab infusion or related biosimilars, or rituximab/hyaluronidase human for subcutaneous injection (Rituxan Hycela) are covered under the medical benefits of the Company’s products when the medical necessity criteria listed in this medical policy are met.

However, services that are identified in this policy as experimental/investigational or not medically necessary​ are not eligible for coverage or reimbursement by the Company.

US FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) STATUS

Rituximab (Rituxan) infusion was approved by the FDA on November 26, 1997, for the treatment of relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular, CD20 positive, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Supplemental approvals have since been issued. The safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have been established for granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener’s granulomatosis) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA); they have not been established in the pediatric population with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), pemphigus vulgaris​, and rheumatoid arthritis. The FDA has issued subsequent approvals for biosimilar products.


PEDIATRIC USE

According to FDA prescribing information, rituximab (Rituxan​is indicated for the treatment of GPA and MPA in pediatric individuals 2 years of age and older; it is not indicated in individuals less than 2 years of age with GPA or MPA.​ Rituximab (Rituxan)​ is also safe and effective in combination with chemotherapy for the treatment of previously untreated, advanced stage, CD20-positive DLBCL/BL/BLL/B-AL in pediatric individuals aged 6 months and older; it is not indicated in individuals less than 6 months of age.​

Rituximab and hyaluronidase human (Rituxan Hycela) for subcutaneous injection was approved by the FDA on June 22, 2017 (only after administration with at least one full dose of rituximab [Rituxan] infusion) for the treatment of adults with follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established.

Description

Rituximab and related biosimilars are antineoplastic agents that can be used as an alternative or adjunct to conventional chemotherapy. In 1997, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of rituximab infusion for the treatment of relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular, CD20 positive, B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Supplemental approvals have since been issued, including the use of rituximab for the treatment of multiple types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), pemphigus vulgaris, rheumatoid arthritis, Wegener's granulomatosis, and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA).

Rituximab and related biosimilars are genetically engineered, chimeric, murine/human monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to the CD20 antigen (human B-lymphocyte​restricted differentiation antigen, Bp35). This antigen is a hydrophobic transmembrane protein that is located on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes. It is also expressed on more than 90% of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, but it is not expressed on hematopoietic stem cells, pro-B cells, normal plasma cells, or other normal tissues. Rituximab and related biosimilars exert a cytotoxic effect on B cells by mediating B-cell lysis. Treatment with rituximab and related biosimilars results in quick, sustained depletion of circulating and tissue-based B cells. B-lymphocyte levels return to normal approximately 12 months after treatment is completed.

Rituximab and related biosimilars are typically administered by intravenous infusion. However, intrathecal administration of rituximab infusion can be performed for certain conditions, including treatment of central nervous system tumors.

In 2017, rituximab and hyaluronidase human (Rituxan Hycela) for subcutaneous injection was approved by the FDA for the treatment of adults with follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Hyaluronidase human was combined with the rituximab product to increase the permeability of the subcutaneous tissue and increase the absorption rate of a rituximab product into the systemic circulation. The FDA notes at least one full dose of rituximab infusion or related biosimilar (i.e., administered as Cycle 1) is required to be administered before treatment with rituximab and hyaluronidase human (Rituxan Hycela) for subcutaneous injection. The FDA also states the limitation that rituximab and hyaluronidase human (Rituxan Hycela) is not indicated for the treatment of nonmalignant conditions.

OFF-LABEL INDICATIONS

There may be additional indications contained in the Policy section of this document due to evaluation of criteria highlighted in the Company’s off-label policy, and/or review of clinical guidelines issued by leading professional organizations and government entities.

References

REFERENCES FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY INDICATIONS OF RITUXIMAB AND RELATED BIOSIMILARS INFUSION

Ahmed AR, Nguyen T, Kaveri S, et al. First line treatment of pemphigus vulgaris with a novel protocol in patients with contraindications to systemic corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents: Preliminary retrospective study with a seven year follow-up. Int Immunopharmacol. 2016;34:25-31.

Ahmed AR, Spigelman Z, Cavacini LA, Posner MR. Treatment of pemphigus vulgaris with rituximab and intravenous immune globulin. N Engl J Med. 2006; 355:1772-1779.

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Mulley WR, Hudson FJ, Tait BD, et al. A single low-fixed dose of rituximab to salvage renal transplants from refractory antibody-mediated rejection. Transplantation. 2009;87(2):286-289.

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Narayanaswami P, Sanders DB, Wolfe G, et al. International consensus guidance for management of myasthenia gravis: 2020 update. Neurology. 2021;96(3):114-122.

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  • CLL/SLL. Version 3.2024. Updated 03/26/2024
  • Hairy Cell Leukemia. Version 2.2024. Updated 04/22/2024
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  • Hodgkin Lymphoma. Version 3.2024. Updated 03/18/2024
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  • Pediatric Hodgkin Lymphoma. Version 1.2024. Updated 05/14/2024
  • Primary Cutaneous B-cell Lymphomas. Version 2.2024. Updated 05/06/2024
  • Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma. Version 2.2024. Updated 12/05/2023.
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Okutsu M, Kamei K, Sato M, et al. Prophylactic rituximab administration in children with complicated nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol. 2021;36(3):611-619.  

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Prytula A, Iijima K, Kamei K, et al. Rituximab in refractory nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol. 2010;25(3):461-468.

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Rain C, Yáñez T, Rada G. Is rituximab effective for induction of remission in ANCA-associated vasculitis? Medwave. 2015;15 Suppl 2:e6209.

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Ravani P, Rossi R, Bonanni A, et al. Rituximab in children with wteroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome: a multicenter, open-label, noninferiority, randomized controlled trial. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2015;26(9):2259-2266.

Ribera JM, García O, Oriol A, et al, PETHEMA Group, Spanish Society of Hematology. Feasibility and results of subtype-oriented protocols in older adults and fit elderly patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Results of three prospective parallel trials from the PETHEMA group. Leuk Res. 2016;41:12-20.
 
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Roccatello D, Sciascia S, Naretto C, et al. A Prospective Study on Long-Term Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Lupus Nephritis Treated With an Intensified B-Cell Depletion Protocol Without Maintenance Therapy. Kidney Int Rep. Apr 2021; 6(4):1081-1087. 

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Ruggenenti P, Debiec H, Ruggiero B, et al. Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor antibody titer predicts post-rituximab outcome of membranous nephropathy. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2015;26(10):2545-2558.

Ruggenenti P, Fervenza FC, Remuzzi G. Treatment of membranous nephropathy: time for a paradigm shift. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2017;13(9):563-579.

Ruggenenti P, Ruggiero B, Cravedi P, et al. Rituximab in steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014;25(4):850-863.

Sadnicka A, Reilly MM, Mummery C, et al. Rituximab in the treatment of three coexistent neurological autoimmune diseases: chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, Morvan syndrome and myasthenia gravis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2011;82(2):230-232.

Salzer J, Svenningsson R, Alping P, et al. Rituximab in multiple sclerosis: A retrospective observational study on safety and efficacy. Neurology. 2016;87:2074-2081.

Sanchez J, Ingen-Housz-Oro S, Chosidow O, Antonicelli F, Bernard P. Rituximab as single long-term maintenance therapy in patients with difficult-to-treat pemphigus. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(3):363-365.

Sanders DB, Wolfe GI, Benatar M, et al. International consensus guidance for management of myasthenia gravis: Executive summary. Neurology. 2016;87(4):419-425.

Scolari F, Delbarba E, Santoro D, et al; RI-CYCLO Investigators. Rituximab or cyclophosphamide in the treatment of membranous nephropathy: The RI-CYCLO randomized trial. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2021;32(4):972-982.

Shamliyan TA, Dospinescu P. Additional improvements in clinical response from adjuvant biologic response modifiers in adults with moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus despite immunosuppressive agents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Ther. 2017;39(7):1479-1506.

Shetty S, Ahmed AR. Critical analysis of the use of rituximab in mucous membrane pemphigoid: a review of the literature. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2013;68(3):499-506.

Shetty S, Ahmed AR. Treatment of bullous pemphigoid with rituximab: critical analysis of the current literature. J Drugs Dermatol. 2013;12(6):672-677.

Singh JA, Saag KG, Bridges SL Jr, et al. 2015 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2016;68(1):1-26. 

Sinha A, Bagga A. Rituximab therapy in nephrotic syndrome: implications for patients' management. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2013;9:154.

Sircar G, Goswami RP, Sircar D, et al. Intravenous cyclophosphamide vs rituximab for the treatment of early diffuse scleroderma lung disease: open label, randomized, controlled trial. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2018;57(12);2106-2113. 

Smith V, Van Praet JT, Vandooren B, et al. Rituximab in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: an open-label clinical and histopathological study. Ann Rheum Dis. 2010;69(1):193-197.

Souza FB, Porfirio GJ, Andriolo BN, et al. Rituximab effectiveness and safety for treating primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS): systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2016;11(3):e0150749.

Stieglbauer K, Topakian R, Schäffer V, Aichner FT. Rituximab for myasthenia gravis: three case reports and review of the literature. J Neurol Sci. 2009;280(1-2):120-122.

Stone JH, Merkel PA, Spiera R, et al; RAVE-ITN Research Group. Rituximab versus cyclophosphamide for ANCA-associated vasculitis. N Engl J Med. 2010;363(3):221-232.

Sun L, Xu H, Shen Q, et al. Efficacy of rituximab therapy in children with refractory nephrotic syndrome: a prospective observational study in Shanghai. World J Pediatr. 2014;10(1):59-63.

Svenningsson A, Frisell T, Burman J, et al. Safety and efficacy of rituximab versus dimethyl fumarate in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis or clinically isolated syndrome in Sweden: a rater-blinded, phase 3, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Neurol. 2022 Aug;21(8):693-703. 

Taha R, El-Haddad H, Almuallim A, Alshaiki F, Obaid E, Almoallim H. Systematic review of the role of rituximab in treatment of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitis, hepatitis C virus-related cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, ankylosing spondylitis, and Raynaud's phenomenon. Open Access Rheumatol. 2017;9:201-214.

Tahara M, Oeda T, Okada K, et al. Compassionate open-label use of rituximab following a randomised clinical trial against neuromyelitis optica (RIN-2 study): B cell monitoring-based administration. Mult Scler Relat Disord. 2022;60:103730. 

Tahara M, Oeda T, Okada K, et al. Safety and efficacy of rituximab in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (RIN-1 study): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurol. 2020;19(4):298-306.

Tanaka Y, Takeuchi T, Miyasaka N, et al. Efficacy and safety of rituximab in Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis who are refractory to conventional therapy. Mod Rheumatol. 2016;26(1):80-86. 

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Thiebaut M, Launay D, Rivière S, et al. Efficacy and safety of rituximab in systemic sclerosis: French retrospective study and literature review. Autoimmun Rev. 2018;17(6):582-587.

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REFERENCES FOR EXPERIMENTAL/INVESTIGATIONAL INDICATIONS OF RITUXIMAB AND RELATED BIOSIMILARS INFUSION

Anti-Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein (Anti-MAG) Antibody Demyelinating Neuropathy

Brannagan TH 3rd. Current treatments of chronic immune-mediated demyelinating polyneuropathies. Muscle Nerve. 2009;39(5):563-578.

Chaganti S, Hannaford A, Vucic S. Rituximab in chronic immune mediated neuropathies: a systematic review. Neuromuscul Disord. 2022;32(8):621-627. 

Dalakas MC. Advances in the diagnosis, immunopathogenesis and therapies of IgM-anti-MAG antibody-mediated neuropathies. Ther Adv Neurol Disord. 2018;11:1756285617746640.  

Dalakas MC, Rakocevic G, Salajegheh M, et al. Placebo-controlled trial of rituximab in IgM anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein antibody demyelinating neuropathy. Ann Neurol. 2009;65(3):286-293.

Iancu Ferfoglia R, Guimarães-Costa R, Viala K, et al. Long-term efficacy of rituximab in IgM anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein neuropathy: RIMAG follow-up study. J Peripher Nerv Syst. 2016;21(1):10-14.

Joint Task Force of the EFNS and the PNS. European Federation of Neurological Societies/Peripheral Nerve Society Guideline on management of paraproteinemic demyelinating neuropathies. Report of a Joint Task Force of the European Federation of Neurological Societies and the Peripheral Nerve Society--first revision. J Peripher Nerv Syst. 2010;15(3):185-195.

Latov N. Diagnosis and treatment of chronic acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies. Nat Rev Neurol. 2014;10(8):435-446.

Léger JM, Viala K, Nicolas G, et al; RIMAG Study Group (France and Switzerland). Placebo-controlled trial of rituximab in IgM anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein neuropathy. Neurology. 2013;80(24):2217-2225.

Levine TD, Pestronk A. IgM antibody-related polyneuropathies: B-cell depletion chemotherapy using rituximab. Neurology. 1999;52(8):1701-1704.

Lunn MP, Nobile-Orazio E. Immunotherapy for IgM anti-myelin-associated glycoprotein paraprotein-associated peripheral neuropathies. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;10:CD002827.

Maurer MA, Rakocevic G, Leung CS,et al. Rituximab induces sustained reduction of pathogenic B cells in patients with peripheral nervous system autoimmunity. J Clin Invest. 2012;122(4):1393-1402.

Pestronk A, Florence J, Miller T, et al. Treatment of IgM antibody associated polyneuropathies using rituximab. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2003;74(4):485-489.

Vallat JM, Magy L, Ciron J, Corcia P, Le Masson G, Mathis S. Therapeutic options and management of polyneuropathy associated with anti-MAG antibodies. Expert Rev Neurother. 2016;16(9):1111-1119.


Autoimmune Encephalitis

Abboud H, Probasco JC, Irani S, et al; Autoimmune encephalitis alliance clinicians network. Autoimmune encephalitis: proposed best practice recommendations for diagnosis and acute management. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2021;92(7):757-768.

Abboud H, Probasco J, Irani SR, et al. Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance Clinicians Network. Autoimmune encephalitis: proposed recommendations for symptomatic and long-term management. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2021;92(8):897-907. 

Barry H, Byrne S, Barrett E, Murphy KC, Cotter DR. Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis: review of clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment. BJPsych Bull. 2015;39(1):19-23.

Byun JI, Lee ST, Jung KH, et al. Effect of immunotherapy on seizure outcome in patients with autoimmune encephalitis: a prospective observational registry study. PLoS One. 201615;11(1):e0146455.

Chapman MR, Vause HE. Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: diagnosis, psychiatric presentation, and treatment. Am J Psychiatry. 2011;168(3):245-251.

Gastaldi M, Thouin A, Vincent A. Antibody-mediated autoimmune encephalopathies and immunotherapies. Neurotherapeutics. 2016;13(1):147-162.

Graus F, Titulaer MJ, Balu R, et al. A clinical approach to diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis. Lancet Neurol. 2016;15(4):391-404.

Irani SR, Gelfand JM, Bettcher BM, et al. Effect of rituximab in patients with leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated 1 antibody–associated encephalopathy. JAMA Neurol. 2014;71(7):896-900. 

Jones KC, Benseler SM, Moharir M. Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis. Neuroimaging Clin N Am. 2013;23(2):309-320.

Lancaster E. The diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune encephalitis. J Clin Neurol. 2016;12(1):1-13.

Markovic I, Basic S, Devedjija S. Aggressive anti-LGI1 encephalitis defeated by one cycle of intravenous rituximab-a case report. Neurol Sci. 2020;41(7):1949-1950.

Nepal G, Shing YK, Yadav JK, et al. Efficacy and safety of rituximab in autoimmune encephalitis: a meta-analysis. Acta Neurol Scand. 2020;142(5):449-459. 

Nosadini M, Eyre M, Molteni E, et al. Use and Safety of Immunotherapeutic Management of N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Antibody Encephalitis: A Meta-analysis. JAMA Neurol. 2021;78(11):1333-1344.  

Nosadini M, Mohammad SS, Ramanathan S, Brilot F, Dale RC. Immune therapy in autoimmune encephalitis: a systematic review. Expert Rev Neurother. 2015;15(12):1391-1419.

Stingl C, Cardinale K, Van Mater H. An update on the treatment of pediatric autoimmune encephalitis. Curr Treatm Opt Rheumatol. 2018;4(1):14-28.

Titulaer MJ, McCracken L, Gabilondo I, et al. Treatment and prognostic factors for long-term outcome in patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis: an observational cohort study. Lancet Neurol. 2013;12(2):157-165.


Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)

Bailly L, Mongin M, Delorme C, et al. Tremor associated with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and anti-Neurofascin-155 antibodies. Tremor Other Hyperkinet Mov (N Y). 2018;8:606.

Benedetti L, Briani C, Franciotta D, et al. Rituximab in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: a report of 13 cases and review of the literature. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2011;82(3):306-308.

Briani C, Salvalaggio A, Ruiz M, et al. Tongue tremor in neurofascin-155 IgG4 seropositive chronic inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy. J Neuroimmunol. 2019;330:178-180. 

Bright RJ, Wilkinson J, Coventry BJ. Therapeutic options for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: a systematic review. BMC Neurol. 2014;14:26.

Chaganti S, Hannaford A, Vucic S. Rituximab in chronic immune mediated neuropathies: a systematic review. Neuromuscul Disord. 2022 Aug;32(8):621-627. 

Fisse AL, Motte J, Grüter T, Sgodzai M, Pitarokoili K, Gold R. Comprehensive approaches for diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Neurol Res Pract. 2020;2:42.  

Godil J, Barrett MJ, Ensrud E, Chahin N, Karam C. Refractory CIDP: Clinical characteristics, antibodies and response to alternative treatment. J Neurol Sci. 2020;418:117098.

Hu J, Sun C, Lu J, Zhao C, Lin J. Efficacy of rituximab treatment in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Neurol. 2022 Mar;269(3):1250-1263. 

Ibrahim H, Dimachkie MM, Shaibani A. A review: the use of rituximab in neuromuscular diseases. J Clin Neuromuscul Dis. 2010;12(2):91-102.

Lehmann HC, Burke D, Kuwabara S. Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: update on diagnosis, immunopathogenesis and treatment. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2019;90(9):981-987.

Knecht H, Baumberger M, Tobòn A, Steck A. Sustained remission of CIDP associated with Evans syndrome. Neurology. 2004;63(4):730-732.

Mahdi-Rogers M, Brassington R, Gunn AA, van Doorn PA, Hughes RA. Immunomodulatory treatment other than corticosteroids, immunoglobulin and plasma exchange for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017;5:CD003280.

Sadnicka A, Reilly MM, Mummery C, et al. Rituximab in the treatment of three coexistent neurological autoimmune diseases: chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy, Morvan syndrome and myasthenia gravis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2011;82(2):230-232.


Dermatomyositis and Polymyositis

Ashton C, Paramalingam S, Stevenson B, et al. Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: a review. Intern Med J. 2021; 51(6):845-852.

Dellaripa PF, Danoff SK. Interstitial lung disease in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: Treatment. UpToDate. Last Updated 02/02/2024. Available at: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/interstitial-lung-disease-in-dermatomyositis-and-polymyositis-treatment?source=search_result&search=polymyositis&selectedTitle=9~150. Accessed July 26, 2024. 

Ernste FC, Reed AM. Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: current trends in pathogenesis, clinical features, and up-to-date treatment recommendations. Mayo Clin Proc. 2013;88(1):83-105.  

Fasano S, Gordon P, Hajji R, Loyo E, Isenberg DA. Rituximab in the treatment of inflammatory myopathies: a review. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2017;56(1):26-36.

Fujisawa T. Management of myositis-associated interstitial lung disease. Medicina (Kaunas). 2021;57(4):347.

Hak AE, de Paepe B, de Bleecker JL, et al. Dermatomyositis and polymyositis: new treatment targets on the horizon. Neth J Med. 2011;69(10):410-421.

Hinze C. Juvenile dermatomyositis-what's new? Z Rheumatol. 2019;78(7):627-635. 

Hinze CH, Speth F, Oommen PT, Haas JP. Current management of juvenile dermatomyositis in Germany and Austria: an online survey of pediatric rheumatologists and pediatric neurologists. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2018;16(1):38.

Huber AM. Update on the clinical management of juvenile dermatomyositis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol. 2018;14(12):1021-1028.

Ibrahim H, Dimachkie MM, Shaibani A. A review: the use of rituximab in neuromuscular diseases. J Clin Neuromuscul Dis. 2010;12(2):91-102.

Kobayashi I, Akioka S, Kobayashi N, et al M. Clinical practice guidance for juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) 2018-Update. Mod Rheumatol. 2020;30(3):411-423.

Kuye IO, Smith GP. The use of rituximab in the management of refractory dermatomyositis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2017;16(2):162-166.

Lazarou IN, Guerne PA. Classification, diagnosis, and management of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. J Rheumatol. 2013;40(5):550-564.

Lexi-Drugs Compendium. Rituximab. 04/14/2022. [Lexicomp Online Web site]. Available at: http://online.lexi.com/lco/action/home [via subscription only]. Accessed April 19, 2022.

Maher TM, Tudor VA, Saunders P, et al; RECITAL Investigators. Rituximab versus intravenous cyclophosphamide in patients with connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease in the UK (RECITAL): a double-blind, double-dummy, randomised, controlled, phase 2b trial. Lancet Respir Med. 2023;11(1):45-54.

Marie I, Mouthon L. Therapy of polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Autoimmun Rev. 2011;11(1):6-13.

Mastaglia FL. Inflammatory muscle diseases. Neurol India. 2008;56(3):263-270.

Mok CC. Current role of rituximab in systemic lupus erythematosus. Int J Rheum Dis. 2015;18(2):154-163.

Mok CC, Ho LY, To CH. Rituximab for refractory polymyositis: an open-label prospective study. J Rheumatol. 2007;34(9):1864-1868.

Noss EH, Hausner-Sypek DL, Weinblatt ME. Rituximab as therapy for refractory polymyositis and dermatomyositis. J Rheumatol. 2006;33(5):1021-6. Epub 2006 Mar 15.

Oddis CV, Reed AM, Aggarwal R, et al; Rituximab in Myositis (RIM) Study Group. Rituximab in the treatment of refractory adult and juvenile dermatomyositis and adult polymyositis: A randomized, placebo-phase trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2013;65(2):314-324.

Oldroyd AGS, Lilleker JB, Amin T, et al; British Society for Rheumatology Standards, Audit and Guidelines Working Group. British Society for Rheumatology guideline on management of paediatric, adolescent and adult patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2022;61(5):1760-1768.

Orandi AB, Dharnidharka VR, Al-Hammadi N, et al. Clinical phenotypes and biologic treatment use in juvenile dermatomyositis-associated calcinosis. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2018;16(1):84.

Rider LG, Aggarwal R, Pistorio A, et al; International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group and the Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation. 2016 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Criteria for Minimal, Moderate, and Major Clinical Response in Juvenile Dermatomyositis: An International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies Group/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation Collaborative Initiative. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017;76(5):782-791.

Fernandez RR, Callejas Rubio JL, Sá​nchez Cano D, et al. Rituximab in the treatment of dermatomyositis and other inflammatory myopathies. A report of 4 cases and review of the literature. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2009;27(6):1009-1016. 

Sasaki H, Kohsaka H. Current diagnosis and treatment of polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Mod Rheumatol. 2018;28(6):913-921.

Spencer CH, Rouster-Stevens K, Gewanter H, et al; Pediatric Rheumatologist Collaborators. Biologic therapies for refractory juvenile dermatomyositis: five years of experience of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance in North America. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J. 2017;15(1):50.

Targoff IN. Treatment of recurrent and resistant dermatomyositis and polymyositis in adults. UpToDate. Last Updated 12/16/2022. Available at: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-recurrent-and-resistant-dermatomyositis-and-polymyositis-in-adults?source=search_result&search=rituximab+polymyositis&selectedTitle=1~150. Accessed July 26, 2024. 

Traineau H, Aggarwal R, Monfort JB, et al. Treatment of calcinosis cutis in systemic sclerosis and dermatomyositis: A review of the literature. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020;82(2):317-325.

Truven Health Analytics Inc. Micromedex® 2.0 Healthcare Series. DrugDex®. Rituximab. [Micromedex Web site]. 07/02/2024. Available at: http://www.micromedexsolutions.com/micromedex2/librarian [via subscription only]. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

Unger L, Kampf S, Lüthke K, Aringer M. Rituximab therapy in patients with refractory dermatomyositis or polymyositis: differential effects in a real-life population. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2014;53(9):1630-1638.

Van den Hoogen LL, van Laar JM. Targeted therapies in systemic sclerosis, myositis, antiphospholipid syndrome, and Sjögren's syndrome. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2020;34(1):101485.

Varnier GC, Consolaro A, Maillard S, et al. Comparison of treatments and outcomes of children with juvenile dermatomyositis followed at two European tertiary care referral centers. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2021;60(11):5419-5423.

Varnier GC, Pilkington CA, Wedderburn LR. Juvenile dermatomyositis: novel treatment approaches and outcomes. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2018;30(6):650-654.

Vermaak E, Tansley SL, McHugh NJ. The evidence for immunotherapy in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: a systematic review. Clin Rheumatol. 2015;34(12):2089-2095.

Zeng R, Glaubitz S, Schmidt J. Inflammatory myopathies: shedding light on promising agents and combination therapies in clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2021;30(11):1125-1140.


Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

Araya CE, Dharnidharka VR. The factors that may predict response to rituximab therapy in recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a systematic review. J Transplant. 2011;2011:374213.

Audard V, Kamar N, Sahali D, et al. Rituximab therapy prevents focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis recurrence after a second renal transplantation. Transpl Int. 2012;25(5):e62-e66.

Cattran DC, Appel GB. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: treatment and prognosis. [UpToDate]. Updated 12/06/2023. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-primary-focal-segmental-glomerulosclerosis?source=search_result&search=FSGS&selectedTitle=2~133 . Accessed July 26, 2024. 

Fernandez-Fresnedo G, Segarra A, González E, et al. Rituximab treatment of adult patients with steroid-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2009;4:1317.

Gauckler P, Shin JI, Alberici F, et al; RITERM study group. Rituximab in adult minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis - What is known and what is still unknown? Autoimmun Rev. 2020;19(11):102671. 

Hansrivijit P, Cheungpasitporn W, Thongprayoon C, Ghahramani N. Rituximab therapy for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and minimal change disease in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Nephrol. 2020;21(1):134. 

Kronbichler A, Kerschbaum J, Fernandez-Fresnedo G, et al. Rituximab treatment for relapsing minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a systematic review. Am J Nephrol. 2014;39:322-330.

Kronbichler A, König P, Busch M, et al. Rituximab in adult patients with multi-relapsing/steroid-dependent minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a report of 5 cases. Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2013;125:328.

Meyer TN, Thaiss F, Stahl RA. Immunoadsorbtion and rituximab therapy in a second living-related kidney transplant patient with recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Transpl Int. 2007;20(12):1066-1071.

Ochi A, Takei T, Nakayama K, et al. Rituximab treatment for adult patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Intern Med. 2012;51:759.

Peters HP, van de Kar NC, Wetzels JF. Rituximab in minimal change nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: Report of four cases and review of the literature. Neth J Med. 2008;66(10):408-415.

Trachtman R, Sran SS, Trachtman H. Recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after kidney transplantation. Pediatr Nephrol. 2015;30(10):1793-1802.

Tsagalis G, Psimenou E, Nakopoulou L, Laggouranis A. Combination treatment with plasmapheresis and rituximab for recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after renal transplantation. Artif Organs. 2011;35(4):420-425.

Xue C, Yang B, Xu J, et al. Efficacy and safety of rituximab in adult frequent-relapsing or steroid-dependent minimal change disease or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Kidney J. 2020;14(4):1042-1054. 


Minimal Change Disease in Adults

Bruchfeld A, Benedek S, Hilderman M, et al. Rituximab for minimal change disease in adults: long-term follow-up. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2014;29(4):851-856.

Gauckler P, Shin JI, Alberici F, et al; RITERM study group. Rituximab in adult minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis - What is known and what is still unknown? Autoimmun Rev. 2020;19(11):102671. 

Guitard J, Hebral A, Fakhouri F, et al. Rituximab for minimal-change nephrotic syndrome in adulthood: predictive factors for response, long-term outcomes and tolerance. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2014;29(11):2084-2091.

Hansrivijit P, Cheungpasitporn W, Thongprayoon C, Ghahramani N. Rituximab therapy for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and minimal change disease in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Nephrol. 2020;21(1):134. 

Iwabuchi Y, Takei T, Moriyama T, et al. Long-term prognosis of adult patients with steroid-dependent minimal change nephrotic syndrome following rituximab treatment. Medicine (Baltimore). 2014; 93:e300.

Hoxha E, Stahl RA, Harendza S. Rituximab in adult patients with immunosuppressive-dependent minimal change disease. Clin Nephrol 2011;76:151.

Kronbichler A, Kerschbaum J, Fernandez-Fresnedo G, et al. Rituximab treatment for relapsing minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a systematic review. Am J Nephrol. 2014;39:322-330.

Madanchi N, Bitzan M, Takano T. Rituximab in minimal change disease: mechanisms of action and hypotheses for future studies. Can J Kidney Health Dis. 2017;4:2054358117698667.

Meyrier AY. Treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with immunophilin modulation: When did we stop thinking about pathogenesis? Kidney Int. 2009;76(5):487-491.

Munyentwali H, Bouachi K, Audard V, et al. Rituximab is an efficient and safe treatment in adults with steroid-dependent minimal change disease. Kidney Int. 2013;83:511.

Palmer SC, Nand K, Strippoli GF. Interventions for minimal change disease in adults with nephrotic syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jan 23;(1):CD001537.

Papakrivopoulou E, Shendi AM, Salama AD, et al. Effective treatment with rituximab for the maintenance of remission in frequently relapsing minimal change disease. Nephrology (Carlton). 2016;21(10):893-900.

Ruggenenti P, Ruggiero B, Cravedi P, et al. Rituximab in steroid-dependent or frequently relapsing idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2014;25(4):850-863.

Sinha A, Bagga A. Rituximab therapy in nephrotic syndrome: implications for patients' management. Nat Rev Nephrol. 2013;9:154.

Xue C, Yang B, Xu J, et al. Efficacy and safety of rituximab in adult frequent-relapsing or steroid-dependent minimal change disease or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Kidney J. 2021;14(4):1042-1054.


Multiple sclerosis (MS) subtypes, other than relapsing-remitting (in addition to references in the Medical Necessity Section) 

Bellinvia A, Prestipino E, Portaccio E, et al. Experience with rituximab therapy in a real-life sample of multiple sclerosis patients. Neurol Sci. 2020;41(10):2939-2945.​

Castillo-Trivino T, Braithwaite D, Bacchetti P, et al. Rituximab in relapsing and progressive forms of multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. PLoS One. 2013;8(7):e66308. 

Cheshmavar M, Mirmosayyeb O, Badihian N, et al. Rituximab and glatiramer acetate in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis: A randomized clinical trial. Acta Neurol Scand. 2021;143(2):178-187. 

Filippini G, Kruja J, Del Giovane C. Rituximab for people with multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021 Nov 8;11(11):CD013874.

Hawker K, O'Connor P, Freedman MS, et al; OLYMPUS trial group. Rituximab in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis: results of a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter trial. Ann Neurol. 2009;66(4):460-471.

Ineichen BV, Moridi T, Granberg T, Piehl F. Rituximab treatment for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler. 2020;26(2):137-152. 

Naegelin Y, Naegelin P, von Felten S, et al. Association of rituximab treatment with disability progression among patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. JAMA Neurol. 2019;76(3):274-281.

Olek MJ, Mowry E. Treatment of primary progressive multiple sclerosis in adults. [UpToDate]. Updated 08/2022. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-primary-progressive-multiple-sclerosis-in-adults?search=primary progressive multiple sclerosis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~29&usage_type=default&display_rank=1. Accessed July, 26, 2024.

Olek MJ, Mowry E. Treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in adults. [UpToDate]. Updated 04/2023. Available at: https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-of-secondary-progressive-multiple-sclerosis-in-adults?search=relapsing multiple sclerosis&topicRef=1687&source=related_link. Accessed July, 26, 2024.

Yamout BI, El-Ayoubi NK, Nicolas J, et al. Safety and efficacy of rituximab in multiple sclerosis: a retrospective observational study. J Immunol Res. 2018;9084759.​


Polyneuropathy, Organomegaly, Endocrinopathy, Monoclonal Gammopathy, and Skin Changes (POEMS) Syndrome

Allam JS, Kennedy CC, Aksamit TR, Dispenzieri A. Pulmonary manifestations in patients with POEMS syndrome: a retrospective review of 137 patients. Chest. 2008;133(4):969-974.

Dispenzieri A. POEMS syndrome: 2011 update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management. Am J Hematol. 2011;86(7):591-601.

Dispenzieri A. POEMS syndrome: update on diagnosis, risk-stratification, and management. Am J Hematol. 2015;90(10):951-962.

Jaccard A. POEMS Syndrome: therapeutic Options. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am. 2018;32(1):141-151.

Keddie S, D'Sa S, Foldes D, et al. POEMS neuropathy: optimising diagnosis and management. Pract Neurol. 2018;18(4):278-290.

Kuwabara S, Dispenzieri A, Arimura K, et al. Treatment for POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, M-protein, and skin changes) syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. ​2012 Jun 13;2012(6):CD006828. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD006828.pub3.2012;(6). 02/23/12.

National Organization of Rare Diseases (NORD). POEMS Syndrome. 2021. Available at: POEMS Syndrome - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment | NORD (rarediseases.org)​. Accessed July 26, 2024. 


REFERENCES FOR MEDICALLY NECESSARY INDICATIONS OF RITUXIMAB AND HYALURONIDASE HUMAN (RITUXAN HYCELA) FOR SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION

Elsevier’s Clinical Pharmacology Compendium. Rituximab; Hyaluronidase. 05/24/2024. [Clinical Key Web site]. Available at: https://www.clinicalkey.com/pharmacology/ [via subscription only]. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

Lexi-Drugs Compendium. Rituximab and Hyaluronidase. 05/17/2024. [Lexicomp Online Web site]. Available at: http://online.lexi.com/lco/action/home [via subscription only]. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN Drugs & Biologics Compendium™. Rituxan Hycela. [NCCN Web site]. Available at: https://www.nccn.org/professionals/drug_compendium/default.aspx [via subscription only]. Accessed June 5, 2024. 

Rituxan Hycela. [prescribing information] South San Francisco, CA: Genentech Inc. 06/2021. Available at: https://www.gene.com/medical-professionals/medicines/rituxan-hycela. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

Truven Health Analytics Inc. Micromedex® 2.0 Healthcare Series. DrugDex®. Rituximab/Hyaluronidase Human, Recombinant. [Micromedex Web site]. 07/01/2024. Available at: http://www.micromedexsolutions.com/micromedex2/librarian [via subscription only]. Accessed July 15, 2024. 

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Rituximab and hyaluronidase human (Rituxan Hycela™) for subcutaneous injection drug label [FDA Web site]. 06/10/2021. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/daf/. Accessed June 5, 2024. 

Coding

CPT Procedure Code Number(s)
N/A

ICD - 10 Procedure Code Number(s)
N/A

ICD - 10 Diagnosis Code Number(s)
See Attachment A.

HCPCS Level II Code Number(s)

THE FOLLOWING CODE IS USED TO REPRESENT RITUXIMAB AND HYALURONIDASE HUMAN (RITUXAN HYCELA®) FOR SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION


J9311 Injection, rituximab 10 mg and hyaluronidase


THE FOLLOWING CODES ARE USED TO REPRESENT RITUXIMAB (RITUXAN®) AND RELATED BIOSIMILARS FOR INTRAVENOUS INFUSION


J9312 Injection, rituximab, 10 mg

Q5115 Injection, rituximab-abbs, biosimilar, (Truxima), 10 mg

Q5119 Injection, rituximab-pvvr, biosimilar, (RUXIENCE), 10 mg

Q5123 Injection, rituximab-arrx, biosimilar, (Riabni), 10 mg​


Revenue Code Number(s)
N/A



Modifiers: 
JA Administered intravenously
JB Administered subcutaneously

Coding and Billing Requirements

For drugs that have more than one method of administration, the appropriate modifier is required to indicate the route of administration.​


  • To report the intravenous route of administration, append the following modifier: JA Administered Intravenously
  • To report the subcutaneous route of administration, append the following modifier: JB Administered Subcutaneously
Inclusion of a code in this policy does not imply reimbursement. Eligibility, benefits, limitations, exclusions, utilization management/referral requirements, provider contracts, and Company policies apply.​

Policy History

Revisions From 08.00.50af:
01/01/2026

This version of the policy will become effective 01/01/2026.

This policy has been updated to communicate the changes in the Company's preferred product designation. Rituximab-arrx (Riabni) is now considered a preferred therapy, along with rituximab-abbs (Truxima) and (rituximab-pvvr [Ruxience]). Rituximab (Rituxan) and Rituximab/Hyaluronidase Human for Subcutaneous Injection (Rituxan Hycela) continue to be nonpreferred products.

The following HCPCS code narratives have been revised:

FROM: Q5115 Injection, rituximab-abbs, biosimilar, 10 mg        

TO: Q5115 Injection, rituximab-abbs, biosimilar, (Truxima), 10 mg

 

FROM: Q5119 Injection, rituximab-pvvr, biosimilar, (ruxience), 10 mg        

TO: Q5119 Injection, rituximab-pvvr, biosimilar, (RUXIENCE), 10 mg

 

FROM: Q5123 Injection, rituximab-arrx, biosimilar, (riabni), 10 mg    

TO: Q5123 Injection, rituximab-arrx, biosimilar, (Riabni), 10 mg     ​


​Additionally, the Billing Requirements to append the JA or JB modifier, when appropriate, was added. 


Revisions From 08.00.50ae:
​​10/29/2025
​This version of the policy will become effective 10/29/2025.

This policy has been reissued in accordance with the Company's annual review process.
10/01/2025

This version of the policy will become effective 10/01/2025​.


The following ICD-10 CM code has been removed from this policy:

G35 Multiple sclerosis


The following ICD-10 CM codes have been added to this policy:

G35.A Relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
M05.A Abnormal rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibody with rheumatoid arthritis

Revisions From 08.00.50ad:
10/07/2024

This version of the policy will become effective 10/07/2024​.


This policy has been updated to communicate the Company's coverage position for rituximab/Rituxan (Hycela) for the following oncologic indications, in alignment with the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).


The following policy criteria have been revised for rituximab:
  • Castleman​ disease, unicentric 
  • CNS cancers 
  • Toxicities related to immune checkpoint inhibitors 
  • Leukemia, Acute Lymphoblastic (ALL) 
  • Lymphoma, Hodgkin​ 
  • High-grade B-cell lymphomas 
  • HIV-related B-cell lymphomas​ 
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)  
  • Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma 
  • ​​​Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma of the Stomach 
  • Follicular lymphoma, Classic 
  • Hairy cell leukemia 
  • Histiocytic neoplasms (Rosai-Dorfman disease) 
  • ​​Histologic transformation of indolent lymphomas to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma 
  • ​Mantle cell lymphoma
  • ​Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma
  • Nongastric MALT lymphoma (noncutaneous)
  • Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) 
  • Splenic marginal zone lymphoma
  • Waldenström macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
The following criteria have been added to this policy for rituximab:
  • ​Pediatric aggressive mature B-cell lymphomas (age 6 months and older) - Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma
The following policy criteria have been revised for Rituxan Hycela:
  • ​Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
  • ​Follicular lymphoma
  • Gastric MALT lymphoma
  • Histologic transformation of marginal zone lymphoma to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
  • Nodal marginal zone lymphoma
  • Nongastric MALT lymphoma (noncutaneous)
  • Post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)
  • Splenic marginal zone lymphoma​

The following criteria have been added to this policy for Rituxan Hycela:

  • Lymphoma, Hodgkin​: As a sing​le agent​​

Coding: Attachment A: ICD-10 CODES AND NARRATIVES

The following ICD-10 codes have been added to this policy for rituximab:

C82.30 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, unspecified site
C82.31 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.32 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.33 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.34 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.35 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.36 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.37 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, spleen
C82.38 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.39 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, extranodal and solid organ sites
C83.390 Primary central nervous system lymphoma
C83.398 Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of other extranodal and solid organ sites
C88.00 Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia not having achieved remission
C88.40 Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT-lymphoma] not having achieved remission

The following ICD-10 codes have been added to this policy for Rituxan Hycela:

C81.70 Other Hodgkin lymphoma, unspecified site
C81.71 Other Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C81.72 Other Hodgkin lymphoma, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C81.73 Other Hodgkin lymphoma, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C81.74 Other Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C81.75 Other Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C81.76 Other Hodgkin lymphoma, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C81.77 Other Hodgkin lymphoma, spleen
C81.78 Other Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C81.79 Other Hodgkin lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites
C82.30 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, unspecified site
C82.31 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, lymph nodes of head, face, and neck
C82.32 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, intrathoracic lymph nodes
C82.33 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, intra-abdominal lymph nodes
C82.34 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, lymph nodes of axilla and upper limb
C82.35 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, lymph nodes of inguinal region and lower limb
C82.36 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, intrapelvic lymph nodes
C82.37 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, spleen
C82.38 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, lymph nodes of multiple sites
C82.39 Follicular lymphoma grade IIIa, extranodal and solid organ sites
C83.390 Primary central nervous system lymphoma
C83.398 Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of other extranodal and solid organ sites
C88.00 Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia not having achieved remission
C88.40 Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT-lymphoma] not having achieved remission

The following ICD-10 CM codes have been deleted from this policy, for rituximab:

C83.39 Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites
C88.0 Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
C88.4 Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT-lymphoma]

D89.89  Other specified disorders involving the immune mechanism, not elsewhere classified

D89.9  Disorder involving the immune mechanism, unspecified

The following ICD-10 CM codes have been deleted from this policy, for Rituxan Hycela:
C83.39 Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, extranodal and solid organ sites
C88.0 Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
C88.4 Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT-lymphoma]

Revisions From 08.00.50ac:
01/01/2024

This version of the policy will become effective 01/01/2024.

This policy has been updated to communicate the changes in the Company's preferred product designation. Rituximab-arrx (Riabni) is no longer considered a preferred therapy, and has been replaced by Rituximab-abbs (Truxima). The other preferred product did not change (rituximab-pvvr [Ruxience]). 


The following ICD-10 CM codes have been removed from this policy, due to specificity/laterality: 

M05.00, M05.019M05.029, M05.039, M05.049, M05.059, M05.069, M05.079, M05.10, M05.119, M05.129, M05.139, M05.149, M05.159, M05.169, M05.179, M05.20, M05.219, M05.229, M05.239, M05.249, M05.259, M05.269, M05.279, M05.30, M05.319, M05.329, M05.339, M05.349, M05.359, M05.369, M05.379, M05.40, M05.419, M05.429, M05.439, M05.449, M05.459, M05.469, M05.479, M05.50, M05.519, M05.529, M05.539, M05.549, M05.559, M05.569, M05.579, M05.60, M05.619, M05.629, M05.639, M05.649, M05.659, M05.669, M05.679, M05.70, M05.719, M05.729, M05.739, M05.749, M05.759, M05.769, M05.779, M05.80, M05.819, M05.829, M05.839, M05.849, M05.859, M05.869, M05.879, M06.00, M06.019, M06.029, M06.039, M06.049, M06.059, M06.069, M06.079, M06.80, M06.819, M06.829, M06.839, M06.849, M06.859, M06.869, M06.879  ​


Revisions From 08.00.50ab:
10/01/2023

​This version of the policy will become effective 10/01/2023.

The following ICD-10 CM codes have been added to this policy for Rituxan and biosimilars:

D89.84 IgG4-related disease

N04.20 Nephrotic syndrome with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis, unspecified

N04.21 Primary membranous nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome

N04.22 Secondary membranous nephropathy with nephrotic syndrome

N04.29 Other nephrotic syndrome with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis

Z29.89 Encounter for other specified prophylactic measures

 

The following ICD-10 CM codes have been termed (no longer valid codes) and removed from this policy for Rituxan and biosimilars:
N04.2 Nephrotic syndrome with diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis

Z29.8 Encounter for other specified prophylactic measures


Revisions From 08.00.50aa:
10/01/2022
This version of the policy will become effective 10/01/2022​​​.

This policy has been updated to communicate the Company's coverage position for rituximab/Rituxan Hycela, for the following indications, in alignment with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) labeling, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).

The following policy criteria have been revised for rituximab:
Castleman’s disease, multicentric 
Central nervous system cancers 
Toxicities related to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors 
Leukemia, acute lymphoblastic (ALL) 
Lymphoma, Hodgkin 
Lymphoma, Hodgkin (Pediatric) Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymphoma, non-Hodgkin (NHL) (all subtypes) 
Thrombocytopenic purpura, immune or idiopathic (ITP) 
Transplantation AMR: included lung and pancreas 
Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma

The following policy criteria have been revised for Rituxan Hycela:
CLL
Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphomas

The following criteria have been added to this policy for rituximab:
Leukemia, mature B-cell acute leukemia (B-AL) in pediatrics     
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation 
Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease, refractory to corticosteroids 
NHL: Burkitt-like lymphoma (BLL) in pediatrics 
NHL: Histiocytic Neoplasms (Rosai-Dorfman disease)
NHL: Pediatric Aggressive Mature B-Cell Lymphomas

The following criteria have been added to this policy for​ Rituxan Hycela:
Hairy Cell Leukemia
Waldenström Macroglobulinemia/Lymphoplasmacytic Lymphoma

The following indication was changed from Medically Necessary to Experimental/Investigational for rituximab: 
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), refractory to other immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil)  

The following criteria have been deleted from this policy for rituximab:
Leukemia, Philadelphia chromosome--positive acute lymphoblastic (ALL)

The following criteria have been deleted from this policy for ​Rituxan Hycela:
AIDS-related B-cell lymphoma (NCCN)
Burkitt lymphoma (NCCN)

Guidelines Section was revised: Added Pediatric use, per FDA labeling.

Coding:  Attachment A: ICD-10 CODES AND NARRATIVES
The following ICD-10 codes have been removed from this policy for Rituximab (Rituxan®) Infusion and Related Biosimilars:
Follicular lymphoma grade III unspecified, IIIa, & IIIb,  codes: 
C82.20, C82.21, C82.22, C82.23, C82.24, C82.25, C82.26, C82.27, C82.28, C82.29, 
C82.30, C82.31, C82.32, C82.33, C82.34, C82.35, C82.36, C82.37, C82.38, C82.39, 
C82.40, C82.41, C82.42, C82.43, C82.44, C82.45, C82.46, C82.48, C82.49

The following ICD-10 CM codes have been removed from this policy for Rituximab/Hyaluronidase Human for Subcutaneous Injection (Rituxan Hycela®)​: 
Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma​ codes: C81.00, C81.01, C81.02, 
C81.03, C81.04, C81.05, C81.06, C81.07, C81.08, C81.09 
Other Hodgkin lymphoma codes: C81.70, C81.71, C81.72, C81.73, C81.74, C81.75, 
C81.76, C81.77, C81.78, C81.79 
Follicular lymphoma grade III unspecified, IIIa, & IIIb,  codes: 
C82.20, C82.21, C82.22, C82.23, C82.24, C82.25, C82.26, C82.27, C82.28, C82.29, 
C82.30, C82.31, C82.32, C82.33, C82.34, C82.35, C82.36, C82.37, C82.38, C82.39, 
C82.40, C82.41, C82.42, C82.43, C82.44, C82.45, C82.46, C82.48, C82.49
Burkitt lymphoma​ codes: C83.70, C83.71, C83.72, C83.73, C83.74, C83.75, C83.76, 
C83.77, C83.78, C83.79​

The following ICD-10 CM codes have been added to this policy for Rituximab (Rituxan®) Infusion and Related Biosimilars:
Other specified types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma​: C85.80, C85.81, C85.82, C85.83, 

C85.84, C85.85, C85.86, C85.87, C85.88, C85.89 

C91.A0 Mature B-cell leukemia Burkitt-type not having achieved remission

C91.A2 Mature B-cell leukemia Burkitt-type, in relapse

D76.3   Other histiocytosis syndromes​

​D89.89  Other specified disorders involving the immune mechanism, not elsewhere classified

D89.9  Disorder involving the immune mechanism, unspecified
D89.811 Chronic graft-versus-host disease

D89.812 Acute on chronic graft-versus-host disease

I77.82 Antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody [ANCA] vasculitis

M34.0   Progressive systemic sclerosis

M34.1   CR(E)ST syndrome

Systemic sclerosis​ codes: M34.2, M34.81, M34.82, M34.83, M34.89

M35.5   Multifocal fibrosclerosis

M35.9   Systemic involvement of connective tissue, unspecified

T86.810 Lung transplant rejection

T86.99  Other complications of unspecified transplanted organ and tissue

Z29.8 Encounter for other specified prophylactic measures


The following ICD-10 CM codes have been added to this policy for Rituximab/Hyaluronidase Human for Subcutaneous Injection (Rituxan Hycela®):
C88.0 Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
C91.40 Hairy cell leukemia not having achieved remission
C91.42 Hairy cell leukemia, in relapse

Dosing and Frequency (Attachment) ​has been archived.​

Revisions From 08.00.50z:
04/01/2022
This version of the policy will become effective 04/01/2022.

This policy has been updated to communicate the changes in the Company's preferred product designation. Rituximab-abbs (Truxima) is no longer considered a preferred therapy, and has been replaced by rituximab-arrx (Riabni). The other preferred product did not change (rituximab-pvvr [Ruxience]). 

Revisions From 08.00.50y:
10/01/2021This version of the policy will become effective 10/01/2021.

This policy was updated to communicate the Company's coverage position for rituximab/Rituxan Hycela, in accordance with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

  • Pediatric indication, dosing & frequency were added for Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA)--associated vasculitides​.
  • Maintenance dosing for ANCA --associated vasculitides​ were updated for adults.

This policy has been identified for the ICD-10 CM code update, effective 10/01/2021.


The following ICD-10 CM codes have been added to this policy:

G92.00 Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, grade unspecified

G92.01 Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, grade 1

G92.02 Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, grade 2

G92.03 Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, grade 3

G92.04 Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, grade 4

G92.05 Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, grade 5

M31.10 Thrombotic microangiopathy, unspecified

M31.11 Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy [HSCT-TMA]

M31.19 Other thrombotic microangiopathy

M35.05 Sjogren syndrome with inflammatory arthritis

M35.06 Sjogren syndrome with peripheral nervous system involvement

M35.07 Sjogren syndrome with central nervous system involvement

M35.08 Sjogren syndrome with gastrointestinal involvement

M35.0A Sjogren syndrome with glomerular disease

M35.0B Sjogren syndrome with vasculitis

M35.0C Sjogren syndrome with dental involvement

 

The following ICD-10 CM codes have been termed (no longer valid code) from this policy:

G92 Toxic encephalopathy

M31.1 Thrombotic microangiopathy

 

​The following ICD-10 CM narrative has narratives have been revised in this policy:

FROM: M35.00 Sicca syndrome, unspecified

TO: M35.00 Sjogren syndrome, unspecified

 

FROM: M35.01 Sicca syndrome with keratoconjunctivitis

TO: M35.01 Sjogren syndrome with keratoconjunctivitis

 

FROM: M35.02 Sicca syndrome with lung involvement

TO: M35.02 Sjogren syndrome with lung involvement

 

FROM: M35.03 Sicca syndrome with myopathy

TO: M35.03 Sjogren syndrome with myopathy

 

FROM: M35.04 Sicca syndrome with tubulo-interstitial nephropathy

TO: M35.04 Sjogren syndrome with tubulo-interstitial nephropathy

 

FROM: M35.09 Sicca syndrome with other organ involvement

TO: M35.09 Sjogren syndrome with other organ involvement


Revisions From 08.00.50x:
07/01/2021This policy has been identified for the HCPCS code update, effective 07/01/2021.

The following HCPCS code has been added to this policy:
Q5123 Injection, rituximab-arrx, biosimilar, (riabni), 10 mg​

Revisions From 08.00.50w:
10/01/2020This policy has been identified for the HCPCS code update, effective 10/01/2020.

The following ICD-10 CM code has been deleted from this policy:

D59.1 Other autoimmune hemolytic anemias

 

The following ICD-10 CM codes have been added to this policy:

D59.10 Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, unspecified

D59.11 Warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia

D59.12 Cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia

D59.13 Mixed type autoimmune hemolytic anemia

D59.19 Other autoimmune hemolytic anemia

M05.7A Rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor of other specified site without organ or systems involvement

M05.8A Other rheumatoid arthritis with rheumatoid factor of other specified site

M06.0A  Rheumatoid arthritis without rheumatoid factor, other specified site

M06.8A  Other specified rheumatoid arthritis, other specified site​


Revisions From 08.00.50v:
07/01/2020This policy has been identified for the HCPCS code update, effective 07/01/2020.

The following NOC codes have been removed from this policy and are replaced by the following HCPCS code:
REMOVED:
C9399 Unclassified drugs or biologicals
J3590 Unclassified biologics

REPLACED WITH:
Q5119 Injection, rituximab-pvvr, biosimilar, (ruxience), 10 mg

Revisions F​rom 08.00.50u:
05/15/2020This policy has been updated to communicate the Company's designation of two biosimilars as its preferred products: rituximab-pvvr (RuxienceTM) and rituximab-abbs (Truxima®).

On February 20, 2020, the following language was added to the Company-Designated Preferred Products section of the Policy section: Coverage of a biosimilar product as an alternate to a reference product is not considered a form of step therapy by the Company.


Revisions From 08.00.50t:
07/01/2019This policy has been identified for the HCPCS code update, effective 07/01/2019.

The following HCPCS code has been added to this policy:
    Q5115 Injection, rituximab-abbs, biosimilar, 10 mg

The following HCPCS codes have been removed from this policy:
    C9399 Unclassified drugs or biologicals
    J3590 Unclassified biologics

Revisions From 08.00.50s:
06/17/2019This Policy was revised with the following changes:

Added coverage of a new biosimilar, rituximab-abbs (Truxima®).

Extensive oncology changes for Rituxan and Rituxan Hycela to Policy criteria and Dosing and Frequency (Attachment A), per National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
  • New Indications include: Leukemia, Philadelphia chromosome--positive acute lymphoblastic (ALL), High Grade B-Cell Lymphomas, Histologic transformation of Marginal Zone Lymphoma to Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma, Nodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma
  • Indication removed: Lymphoblastic lymphoma
Other criteria changes:
  • Pemphigus vulgaris: removed trial of steroids.
  • Pure red cell aplasia: added criteria for “refractory to other standard therapies (e.g. corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine”
  • Rheumatoid arthritis: added criteria for “at least a 3-month trial” of TNF agonists.
Indications changed from Experimental/Investigational to Medically Necessary with criteria:
  • Castleman's disease, unicentric
  • Multiple sclerosis, relapsing-remitting
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Nephrotic Syndrome, including Minimal Change Disease, in pediatric individuals
  • Scleroderma
  • Sjogren’s syndrome
Indications added to Policy as Medically Necessary with criteria:
  • Idiopathic Membranous Nephropath
  • y
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Toxicities
  • Lupus Nephritis
  • Neuromyelitis optica (NMO)
  • Pemphigoid and Pemphigus diseases
Indications added to Policy as Experimental/Investigational:
  • Autoimmune Encephalitis
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) subtypes, other than relapsing-remitting
Experimental/Investigational Indications further clarified:
  • Nephrotic syndrome as Experimental/Investigational was further defined as:
    • Focal and segmental glomeruloscleros
    • is (FSGS)
    • Minimal Change Disease in adults
Coding Table:

THE FOLLOWING CODES ARE USED TO REPRESENT
RELATED BIOSIMILARS (E.G., RITUXIMAB-ABBS
[
Truxima®]):

C9399 Unclassified drugs or biologicals
J3590 Unclassified biologics

Attachment A: Dosing and Frequency Requirements:
  • Extensive Dosing and Frequency changes based on FDA, NCCN, drug compendia, and other peer-reviewed literatu
  • re.
Attachment B: ICD-10 Codes

The following codes were added to this policy for Rituxan and biosimilars:
C79.49 Secondary malignant neoplasm of other parts of nervous system
C85.10 - C85.19 Unspecified B-cell lymphoma
C91.00 Acute lymphoblastic leukemia not having achieved remission
G35 Multiple sclerosis
G36.0 Neuromyelitis optica [Devic]
G70.00 Myasthenia gravis without (acute) exacerbation
G92 Toxic encephalopathy
L10.2 Pemphigus foliaceous
L10.81 Paraneoplastic pemphigus
L12.0 Bullous pemphigoid
L12.1 Cicatricial pemphigoid
L12.30 Acquired epidermolysis bullosa, unspecified
L94.0 Localized scleroderma [morphea]
L94.1 Linear scleroderma
M32.14 Glomerular disease in systemic lupus erythematosus
M34.9 Systemic sclerosis, unspecified
M35.00 - M35.09 Sicca syndrome
N04.2 - N04.9 Nephrotic syndrome
N05.0- N05.9 Unspecified nephritic syndrome

The following codes were removed from this policy for Rituxan and biosimilars:
B20 Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease
C83.50 - C83.59 Lymphoblastic (diffuse) lymphoma - (NCCN removed this indication from compendia).
N01.1 Rapidly progressive nephritic syndrome with focal and segmental glomerular lesions - (E/I)
Z94.0 Kidney transplant status
Z94.1 Heart transplant status
Z94.3 Heart and lungs transplant status

The following codes were added to this policy for Rituxan Hycela:
B20 Human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] disease
C81.00 - C81.09 Nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma
C81.70 - C81.79 Other Hodgkin lymphoma
C83.00 - C83.09 Small cell B-cell lymphoma
C83.10 - C83.19 Mantle cell lymphoma
C83.70 - C83.79 Burkitt lymphoma
C85.10 - C85.19 Unspecified B-cell lymphoma
C85.20 - C85.29 Mediastinal (thymic) large B-cell lymphoma
C88.4 Extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue [MALT-lymphoma]
D47.Z1 Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD)
D47.Z2 Castleman disease

Revisions From 08.00.50r:
01/01/2019This policy has been identified for the HCPCS code update, effective 01/01/2019.

The following HCPCS codes have been added to this policy:
J9311 Injection, rituximab 10 mg and hyaluronidase
J9312 Injection, rituximab, 10 mg

The following HCPCS codes have been removed from this policy:
J9310 Injection, rituximab, 100 mg
C9467 Injection, rituximab and hyaluronidase, 10 mg
J9999 Not otherwise classified, antineoplastic dru

Revisions From 08.00.50q:
04/01/2018This policy has been identified for the HCPCS code update, effective 04/01/2018.

The following HCPCS code has been added to this policy:
    C9467 Injection, rituximab and hyaluronidase, 10 mg

Revisions From​ 08.00.50p:
10/18/2017This policy was updated to communicate the Company's coverage of rituximab and hyaluronidase human (Rituxan Hycela™) for subcutaneous injection.

Additionally, the following ICD-10 codes have been removed from this policy, since deemed inappropriate:
C83.80, C83.81, C83.82, C83.83, C83.84, C83.85, C83.86, C83.87, C83.88, C83.89, C83.90, C83.91, C83.92, C83.93, C83.94, C83.95, C83.96, C83.97, C83.98, C83.99, C85.10, C85.11, C85.12, C85.13, C85.14, C85.15, C85.16, C85.17, C85.18, C85.19, C85.80, C85.81, C85.82, C85.83, C85.84, C85.85, C85.86, C85.87, C85.88, C85.89, C85.90, C85.91, C85.92, C85.93, C85.94, C85.95, C85.96, C85.97, C85.98, C85.99, C96.4, D47.3, Z48.21, Z48.22, Z48.280

Effective 10/05/2017 this policy has been updated to the new policy template format.
1/1/2026
1/2/2026
08.00.50
Medical Policy Bulletin
Commercial
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No