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Quartuccio L, Bortoluzzi A, Scirè CA, Marangoni A, Del Frate G, Treppo E, Castelnovo L, Saccardo F, Zani R, Candela M, Fraticelli P, Mazzaro C, Renoldi P, Scaini P, Filippini DA, Visentini M, Scarpato S, Giuggioli D, Mascia MT, Sebastiani M, Zignego AL, Lauletta G, Fiorilli M, Casato M, Ferri C, Pietrogrande M, Pioltelli PE, De Vita S, Monti G, Galli M. Management of mixed cryoglobulinemia with rituximab: evidence and consensus-based recommendations from the Italian Study Group of Cryoglobulinemia (GISC). Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:359-370. [PMID: 36169798 PMCID: PMC9873783 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06391-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV) or mixed cryoglobulinemic syndrome (MCS) is a systemic small-vessel vasculitis characterized by the proliferation of B-cell clones producing pathogenic immune complexes, called cryoglobulins. It is often secondary to hepatitis C virus (HCV), autoimmune diseases, and hematological malignancies. CV usually has a mild benign clinical course, but severe organ damage and life-threatening manifestations can occur. Recently, evidence in favor of rituximab (RTX), an anti-CD 20 monoclonal antibody, is emerging in CV: nevertheless, questions upon the safety of this therapeutic approach, especially in HCV patients, are still being issued and universally accepted recommendations that can help physicians in MCS treatment are lacking. A Consensus Committee provided a prioritized list of research questions to perform a systematic literature review (SLR). A search was made in Medline, Embase, and Cochrane library, updated to August 2021. Of 1227 article abstracts evaluated, 27 studies were included in the SLR, of which one SLR, 4 RCTs, and 22 observational studies. Seventeen recommendations for the management of mixed cryoglobulinemia with rituximab from the Italian Study Group of Cryoglobulinemia (GISC) were developed to give a valuable tool to the physician approaching RTX treatment in CV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Quartuccio
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, ASUFC, Udine, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara and Azienda Ospedaliera, Universitaria Di Ferrara, Cona, FE, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Marangoni
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara and Azienda Ospedaliera, Universitaria Di Ferrara, Cona, FE, Italy
| | - Giulia Del Frate
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, ASUFC, Udine, Italy
| | - Elena Treppo
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, ASUFC, Udine, Italy
| | - Laura Castelnovo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of Legnano, Legnano, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Paolo Fraticelli
- Ematologia Ed Immunologia Clinica, Clinica Medica Generale, University of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Cesare Mazzaro
- Clinical Experimental Onco-Haematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO) IRCCS, 33081, Aviano, Italy
| | - Piero Renoldi
- UOS Di Immunologia Clinica, Ospedale S. Carlo Borromeo, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Marcella Visentini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Dilia Giuggioli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Mascia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Sebastiani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | | | - Massimo Fiorilli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Milvia Casato
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Clodoveo Ferri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pietrogrande
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Medicina Interna, Policlinico San Marco of Zingonia, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Salvatore De Vita
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, ASUFC, Udine, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Monti
- Medicina Interna, Ospedale Di Saronno, AO Busto Arsizio, Italy
| | - Massimo Galli
- Infectious Disease Unit, L. Sacco, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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The wide spectrum of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and an overview of therapeutic advancements. Clin Exp Med 2022; 23:255-272. [PMID: 35348938 PMCID: PMC8960698 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Immunoglobulins that reversibly precipitate at temperatures below 37 °C are called cryoglobulins (CGs). Cryoglobulinemia often manifests as cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV), whose symptoms range in severity from purpuric eruptions to life-threatening features. The majority of CV patients are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), whereas lymphoproliferative disorders or connective tissue diseases (CTD) are commonly diagnosed among patients with CV of non-infectious origin. In the absence of detectable associated disease, cryoglobulinemia is classified as “essential” (EMC). All HCV-positive CV patients should be given direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) that are consistently able to induce a sustained virologic response (SVR). Glucocorticoids (GCs) can mitigate CV-associated vasculitis, but they have no role as maintenance therapy. Cyclophosphamide restrains the hyperactive phase(s) of the disease and the post-apheresis rebound of newly synthesized CGs. Its use has been largely replaced by rituximab (RTX) in patients unresponsive to DAAs, patients progressing to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) and patients in whom CV persists or reappears after clearance of HCV. Therapeutic apheresis is an emergency treatment for CV patients with hyperviscosity syndrome. HCV-positive CV patients are at an increased risk of developing NHL, but the achievement of SVR can effectively prevent HCV-related NHL or induce the remission of an already established lymphoma, even without chemotherapy. The treatment of patients with IgM or IgG monoclonal cryoglobulins and an underlying immunoproliferative disorder is based on the regimens adopted for patients with the same B-cell malignancies but without circulating CGs. For patients with CTD, GCs plus alkylating agents or RTX are similarly effective as first-line therapy and in the relapse/refractory setting. In patients with EMC, treatment should consist of GCs plus RTX, with the dose of GCs tapered as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infectious complications.
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A Developer's Perspective on Clinical Evidence and Benefits for Rituximab Biosimilar Uptake, with a Focus on CT-P10. Clin Drug Investig 2022; 42:285-300. [PMID: 35325438 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-022-01133-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
To date, four rituximab biosimilars have received regulatory approval from the European Medicines Agency and/or US Food and Drug Administration. CT-P10 was the first rituximab biosimilar to be approved by each agency, in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Regulatory approval of CT-P10 followed demonstration of pharmacokinetic equivalence to the reference product in a phase I study in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Phase III pivotal studies of CT-P10 subsequently demonstrated equivalence or non-inferiority of pharmacokinetics and efficacy between CT-P10 and reference rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, advanced-stage follicular lymphoma, and low-tumour-burden follicular lymphoma. Almost 5 years after its initial regulatory approval, significant real-world experience has accumulated with CT-P10 use, particularly in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, one of the indications approved by extrapolation. This article summarises the pivotal data underlying regulatory approval for the four licensed rituximab biosimilars, before focusing on real-world data gathered with CT-P10. These data provide further support for the safety and effectiveness of CT-P10 and should boost healthcare professional and patient confidence in its use. Pharmacoeconomic analyses support the potential healthcare system cost savings offered by rituximab biosimilar uptake, which could lead to improved patient access to biologic treatments. Opportunities arising from biosimilar uptake extend further, potentially enabling innovative investigator-led research and therapeutic advances.
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Mazzaro C, Dal Maso L, Gragnani L, Visentini M, Saccardo F, Filippini D, Andreone P, Zignego AL, Gattei V, Monti G, Galli M, Quartuccio L. Hepatitis B Virus-Related Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis: Review of the Literature and Long-Term Follow-Up Analysis of 18 Patients Treated with Nucleos(t)ide Analogues from the Italian Study Group of Cryoglobulinemia (GISC). Viruses 2021; 13:v13061032. [PMID: 34070832 PMCID: PMC8226459 DOI: 10.3390/v13061032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronic infection causes progressive liver damage, although about 20% of patients develop extrahepatic manifestations such as cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV). Clinical manifestations range from mild to moderate (purpura, asthenia, arthralgia) to severe (leg ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, glomerulonephritis, non-Hodgkin lymphoma). A comprehensive review of therapeutic options for HBV-related CV is lacking. Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) suppress HBV replication in 90–100% of cases and induce clinical response in most patients with mild-to-moderate CV. Plasma exchange can be performed in patients with severe CV and should be considered in severe or life-threatening cases combined with high doses of corticosteroids and antiviral treatment. A cautious use of rituximab can be considered only in association with NA treatment in refractory cases. A review of the literature and an analysis of data collected by six centers of the Italian Group for the Study of Cryoglobulinemia on 18 HBV-CV nucleotide/nucleoside analogues (NAs)-treated patients were carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Mazzaro
- Clinical Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.M.); (L.Q.)
| | - Luigino Dal Maso
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy;
| | - Laura Gragnani
- MASVE Interdepartmental Center, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Center for Research and Innovation CRIA-MASVE, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (L.G.); (A.L.Z.)
| | - Marcella Visentini
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Francesco Saccardo
- Rheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero di Saronno, ASST della Valle Olona, 21047 Saronno, Italy; (F.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Davide Filippini
- Rheumatology Unit, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, 20162 Milan, Italy;
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy;
| | - Anna Linda Zignego
- MASVE Interdepartmental Center, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Center for Research and Innovation CRIA-MASVE, 50121 Firenze, Italy; (L.G.); (A.L.Z.)
| | - Valter Gattei
- Clinical Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico (CRO) IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Monti
- Rheumatology Unit, Internal Medicine Unit, Presidio Ospedaliero di Saronno, ASST della Valle Olona, 21047 Saronno, Italy; (F.S.); (G.M.)
| | - Massimo Galli
- Infectious Diseases, L. Sacco Hospital, Department of Biochemical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy;
| | - Luca Quartuccio
- Rheumatology Clinic, Department of Medicine (DAME), ASUFC, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.M.); (L.Q.)
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Zignego AL, Marri S, Gragnani L. Impact of direct acting antivirals on hepatitis c virus-related cryoglobulinemic syndrome. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2021; 67:218-226. [PMID: 33793154 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5985.21.02848-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) is a B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder largely attributable to HCV infection. MC clinical manifestations are determined by systemic vasculitis of low/medium sized vessels (mixed cryoglobulinemia syndrome or cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and CV) caused by the deposition of cryoglobulins in blood vessels. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic review was performed via the Medline and Scopus databases to evaluate studies concerning CV treatment with new direct antiviral agents (DAAs) and their effect on the syndrome. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The introduction of Interferon-free protocols has led to more evident positive effects than those observed in the treatment of C hepatitis/cirrhosis. In fact, IFN-free, DAA-based therapy minimised side effects permitting the treatment of previously contraindicated patients and led to a particularly high SVR rate and to a clinical/immunological response in the majority of patients, even if at different levels in different patients, from restitutio ad integrum to partial response. In view of the clearly positive evolution in CV management, the persistence of CV manifestations, in partial or non-responders continues to pose problems in the clinical approach to patients who represent a new condition that is still not completely known. CONCLUSIONS Results of DAAs-based therapy strongly confirm the use of anti-HCV therapy as the first-line therapeutic option in CV patients. However, growing evidence of a possible persistence or late relapse of CV suggests the need for longer/more accurate post-DAAs follow-ups as well as biomarkers that are capable of predicting the risk of clinical relapse/persistence to allow for the design of rational post-HCV eradication clinical flow-charts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L Zignego
- MASVE Interdepartmental Hepatology Center, Department of Experimental and clinical Medicine, Center for Research and Innovation CRIAMASVE, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy -
| | - Silvia Marri
- MASVE Interdepartmental Hepatology Center, Department of Experimental and clinical Medicine, Center for Research and Innovation CRIAMASVE, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Laura Gragnani
- MASVE Interdepartmental Hepatology Center, Department of Experimental and clinical Medicine, Center for Research and Innovation CRIAMASVE, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
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Misra DP, Patro P, Agarwal V. Biosimilars for vasculitis: promise requires validation by quality studies. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 39:3149-3151. [PMID: 32737641 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05309-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Durga Prasanna Misra
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, 226014, India.
| | - Pallavi Patro
- School of Telemedicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, 226014, India
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