1
|
Hooijberg F, Layegh Z, Leeuw M, Boekel L, van den Berg SPH, Ruwaard J, Bastida C, Huitema ADR, Pel S, Elkayam O, de Vries A, Nurmohamed M, Rispens T, Dorlo TPC, Wolbink G. Tocilizumab Dose Tapering Based on a Model-Based Algorithm is Feasible in Clinical Practice: A Short Communication. Ther Drug Monit 2024; 46:410-414. [PMID: 38287880 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000001168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tocilizumab in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a potential candidate for concentration-guided tapering because the standard dose of tocilizumab results in a wide range of serum concentrations, usually above the presumed therapeutic window, and an exposure-response relationship has been described. However, no clinical trials have been published to date on this subject. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of the tapering of intravenous (iv) tocilizumab with the use of a pharmacokinetic model-based algorithm in RA patients. METHODS A randomized controlled trial with a double-blind design and follow-up of 24 weeks was conducted. RA patients who received the standard of tocilizumab for at least the past 24 weeks, which is 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks, were included. Patients with a tocilizumab serum concentration above 5 mg/L at trough were randomized between concentration-guided dose tapering, referred to as therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), or the standard 8 mg/kg dose. In the TDM group, the tocilizumab dose was tapered with a recently published model-based algorithm to achieve a target concentration of 4-6 mg/L after 20 weeks of dose tapering. RESULTS Twelve RA patients were included and 10 were randomized between the TDM and standard dose group. The study was feasible regarding the predefined feasibility criteria and patients had a positive attitude toward therapeutic drug monitoring. In the TDM group, the tocilizumab trough concentration within patients decreased on average by 24.5 ± 18.3 mg/L compared with a decrease of 2.8 ± 12 mg/L in the standard dose group. None of the patients in the TDM group reached the drug range of 4-6 mg/L. Instead, tocilizumab concentrations of 1.6 and 1.5 mg/L were found for the 2 patients who completed follow-up on the tapered dose. No differences in RA disease activity were observed between the 2 study groups. CONCLUSIONS This study was the first to show that it is feasible to apply a dose-reduction algorithm based on a pharmacokinetic model in clinical practice. However, the current algorithm needs to be optimized before it can be applied on a larger scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Femke Hooijberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location Reade, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Zohra Layegh
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location Reade, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maureen Leeuw
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location Reade, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Laura Boekel
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location Reade, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan P H van den Berg
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jill Ruwaard
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location Reade, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carla Bastida
- Department of Pharmacy, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alwin D R Huitema
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacology, Princess Maxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sara Pel
- Department of Rheumatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel; and
| | - Ori Elkayam
- Department of Rheumatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel; and
| | - Annick de Vries
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mike Nurmohamed
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location Reade, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VUmc, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Theo Rispens
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Gertjan Wolbink
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Location Reade, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Krieckaert CL, van Tubergen A, Gehin JE, Hernández-Breijo B, Le Mélédo G, Balsa A, Böhm P, Cucnik S, Elkayam O, Goll GL, Hooijberg F, Jani M, Kiely PD, McCarthy N, Mulleman D, Navarro-Compán V, Payne K, Perry ME, Plasencia-Rodriguez C, Stones SR, Syversen SW, de Vries A, Ward KM, Wolbink G, Isaacs JD. EULAR points to consider for therapeutic drug monitoring of biopharmaceuticals in inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2023; 82:65-73. [PMID: 35551063 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2022-222155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop EULAR points-to-consider for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of biopharmaceuticals in inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). METHODS The points-to-consider were developed in accordance with EULAR standardised operation procedures by a multidisciplinary task force from eight European countries, based on a systematic literature review and expert consensus. Level of evidence and strength of the points-to-consider were determined, and mean levels of agreement among the task force were calculated using a 10-point rating scale. RESULTS Six overarching principles and 13 points-to-consider were formulated. The level of agreement among the task force for the overarching principles and points-to-consider ranged from 8.4 to 9.9.The overarching principles define TDM and its subtypes, and reinforce the underlying pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic principles, which are relevant to all biopharmaceutical classes. The points-to-consider highlight the clinical utility of the measurement and interpretation of biopharmaceutical blood concentrations and antidrug antibodies in specific clinical scenarios, including factors that influence these parameters. In general, proactive use of TDM is not recommended but reactive TDM could be considered in certain clinical situations. An important factor limiting wider adoption of TDM is the lack of both high quality trials addressing effectiveness and safety of TDM and robust economic evaluation in patients with RMDs. Future research should focus on providing this evidence, as well as on further understanding of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of biopharmaceuticals. CONCLUSION These points-to-consider are evidence-based and consensus-based statements for the use of TDM of biopharmaceuticals in inflammatory RMDs, addressing the clinical utility of TDM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Lm Krieckaert
- Reumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Astrid van Tubergen
- Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,CAPHRI, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna Elin Gehin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Alejandro Balsa
- Immuno-Rheumatology Research Group, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.,Rheumatology, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Peter Böhm
- Forschungspartner, Deutsche Rheuma-Liga Bundesverband, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sasa Cucnik
- Rheumatology, Ljubljanski Univerzitetni klinicni center, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Ori Elkayam
- Rheumatology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Guro L Goll
- Rheumatology and Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Femke Hooijberg
- Rheumatology, Reade Hoofdlocatie Dr Jan van Breemenstraat, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Meghna Jani
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Rheumatology, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, Salford, UK
| | - Patrick Dw Kiely
- Department of Rheumatology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Institute of Medical and Biochemical Education, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Neil McCarthy
- Patient Representative, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Denis Mulleman
- Rheumatology, Regional University Hospital Centre Tours, Tours, France
| | | | - Katherine Payne
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Martin E Perry
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, UK
| | | | - Simon R Stones
- EULAR Patient Research partner, Collaboro Consulting, Manchester, UK
| | | | | | - Katherine M Ward
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital Department of Rheumatology, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gertjan Wolbink
- Reumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John D Isaacs
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK .,Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stukas S, Goshua G, Kinkade A, Grey R, Mah G, Biggs CM, Jamal S, Thiara S, Lau TT, Piszczek J, Partovi N, Sweet DD, Lee AY, Wellington CL, Sekhon MS, Chen LY. Reduced fixed dose tocilizumab 400 mg IV compared to weight-based dosing in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A before-after cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH - AMERICAS 2022; 11:100228. [PMID: 35345649 PMCID: PMC8941850 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Interleukin-6 inhibitors reduce mortality in severe COVID-19. British Columbia began using tocilizumab 8 mg/kg (maximum 800 mg) in January 2021 in critically ill patients with COVID-19, but due to drug shortages, decreased dosing to 400 mg IV fixed dose in April 2021. The aims of this study were twofold: to compare physiological responses and clinical outcomes of these two strategies, and examine the cost-effectiveness of treating all patients with 400 mg versus half the patients with 8 mg/kg and the other half without tocilizumab. Methods This was a single-centre, before-after cohort study of critically ill COVID-19 patients treated with tocilizumab, and a control cohort treated with dexamethasone only. Physiological responses and clinical outcomes were compared between patients receiving both doses of tocilizumab and those receiving dexamethasone only. We built a decision tree model to examine cost-effectiveness. Findings 152 patients were included; 40 received tocilizumab 8 mg/kg, 59 received 400 mg and 53 received dexamethasone only. Median CRP fell from 103 mg/L to 5.2 mg/L, 96 mg/L to 6.8 mg/L and from 81.3 mg/L to 48 mg/L in the 8 mg/kg, 400 mg tocilizumab, and dexamethasone only groups, respectively. 28-day mortality was 5% (n=2) vs 8% (n=5) vs 13% (n=7), with no significant difference in all pair-wise comparison. At an assumed willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 Canadian per life-year, utilizing 400 mg for all patients rather than 8 mg/kg for half the patients is cost-effective in 51.6% of 10,000 Monte Carlo simulations. Interpretation Both doses of tocilizumab demonstrated comparable reduction of inflammation with similar 28-day mortality. Without consideration of equity, the net monetary benefits of providing 400 mg tocilizumab to all patients are comparable to 8 mg/kg to half the patients. In the context of ongoing drug shortages, fixed-dose 400 mg tocilizumab may be a practical, feasible and economical option. Funding This work was supported by a gift donation from Hsu & Taylor Family to the VGH Foundation, and the Yale Bernard G. Forget Scholarship.
Collapse
|
4
|
Krieckaert C, Hernández-Breijo B, Gehin JE, le Mélédo G, Balsa A, Jani M, Mulleman D, Navarro-Compan V, Wolbink G, Isaac J, van Tubergen A. Therapeutic drug monitoring of biopharmaceuticals in inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease: a systematic literature review informing EULAR points to consider. RMD Open 2022; 8:e002216. [PMID: 35980738 PMCID: PMC9171282 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this review were to collect and summarise evidence on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of biopharmaceuticals in inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and to inform the EULAR Task Force for the formulation of evidence-based points to consider. A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed, covering technical aspects and (clinical) utility of TDM, to answer 13 research questions. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane were searched until July 2020. American College of Rheumatology and EULAR abstracts were also considered for inclusion. Data were extracted in evidence tables and risk of bias assessment was performed. For the search on technical aspects, 678 records were identified, of which 22 papers were selected. For the clinical utility search, 3846 records were identified, of which 108 papers were included. Patient-related factors associated with biopharmaceutical blood concentrations included body weight, methotrexate comedication and disease activity. The identification of a target range was hampered by study variability, mainly disease activity measures and study type. Evidence was inconsistent for multiple clinical situations in which TDM is currently applied. However, for some particular scenarios, including prediction of future treatment response, non-response to treatment, tapering and hypersensitivity reactions, robust evidence was found. There is currently no evidence for routine use of proactive TDM, in part because published cost-effectiveness analyses do not incorporate the current landscape of biopharmaceutical costs and usage. This SLR yields evidence in favour of TDM of biopharmaceuticals in some clinical scenarios, but evidence is insufficient to support implementation of routine use of TDM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Krieckaert
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Reade, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Johanna Elin Gehin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | - Meghna Jani
- Centre for Epidemiology versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- department of Rheumatology, Salford Royal Hospitals NHS Trust, Salford, UK
| | | | | | - Gertjan Wolbink
- Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John Isaac
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University and Musculoskeletal Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Astrid van Tubergen
- department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Barletta JF, Erstad BL. Drug dosing in hospitalized obese patients with COVID-19. Crit Care 2022; 26:60. [PMID: 35287690 PMCID: PMC8919144 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-022-03941-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is highly prevalent in hospitalized patients admitted with COVID-19. Evidence based guidelines are available for COVID-19-related therapies but dosing information specific to patients with obesity is lacking. Failure to account for the pharmacokinetic alterations that exist in this population can lead to underdosing, and treatment failure, or overdosing, resulting in an adverse effect. The objective of this manuscript is to provide clinicians with guidance for making dosing decisions for medications used in the treatment of patients with COVID-19. A detailed literature search was conducted for medications listed in evidence-based guidelines from the National Institutes of Health with an emphasis on pharmacokinetics, dosing and obesity. Retrieved manuscripts were evaluated and the following prioritization strategy was used to form the decision framework for recommendations: clinical outcome data > pharmacokinetic studies > adverse effects > physicochemical properties. Most randomized controlled studies included a substantial number of patients who were obese but few had large numbers of patients more extreme forms of obesity. Pharmacokinetic data have described alterations with volume of distribution and clearance but this variability does not appear to warrant dosing modifications. Future studies should provide more information on size descriptors and stratification of data according to obesity and body habitus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey F Barletta
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Midwestern University, 19555 N 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ, 85038, USA.
| | - Brian L Erstad
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, 1295 N Martin Ave, PO Box 210202, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moes DJAR, van Westerloo DJ, Arend SM, Swen JJ, de Vries A, Guchelaar HJ, Joosten SA, de Boer MGJ, van Gelder T, van Paassen J. Towards Fixed Dosing of Tocilizumab in ICU-Admitted COVID-19 Patients: Results of an Observational Population Pharmacokinetic and Descriptive Pharmacodynamic Study. Clin Pharmacokinet 2021; 61:231-247. [PMID: 34633645 PMCID: PMC8502793 DOI: 10.1007/s40262-021-01074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE In the randomized controlled trial REMAP-CAP, it was shown that next to dexamethasone, the interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab improves outcome, including survival in intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID)-19 patients. Therefore tocilizumab has been added to many COVID-19 treatment guidelines. Because obesity is a risk factor for the development of severe COVID-19, concerns have been raised about overtreatment, as well as undertreatment, through weight-based dosing of tocilizumab. The currently applied dose of 8 mg/kg is based on the use of this drug for other indications, however it has not formally been investigated for COVID-19. In this study, the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tocilizumab were investigated in ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients. METHODS This was an open-label, single-centre, observational population pharmacokinetic and descriptive pharmacodynamic evaluation study. Enrolled patients, with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19 were admitted to the ICU for mechanical ventilation or high flow nasal canula oxygen support. All patients were 18 years of age or older and received intravenous tocilizumab 8 mg/kg (maximum 800 mg) within 24 h after admission to the ICU and received dexamethasone 6 mg daily as concomitant therapy. For evaluation of the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tocilizumab, all time points from day 0 to 20 days after dose administration were eligible for collection. A nonlinear mixed-effects model was developed to characterize the population pharmacokinetic parameters of tocilizumab in ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients. Covariate analysis was performed to identify potential covariates for dose individualization. For the development of alternative dosing schedules, Monte Carlo simulations using the final model were performed. RESULTS Overall, 29 patients were enrolled between 15 December 2020 and 15 March 2021. A total of 139 tocilizumab plasma samples were obtained covering the pharmacokinetic curve of day 0 to day 20 after tocilizumab initiation. A population pharmacokinetic model with parallel linear and nonlinear clearance (CL) was developed and validated. Average CL was estimated to be 0.725 L/day, average volume of distribution (Vd) was 4.34 L, maximum elimination rate (Vmax) was 4.19 μg/day, and concentration at which the elimination pathway is half saturated (Km) was 0.22 μg/mL. Interindividual variability was identified for CL (18.9%) and Vd (21%). Average area under the concentration versus time curve from time zero to infinity of the first dose (AUCinf 1st DOSE) was 938 [±190] μg/mL*days. All patients had tocilizumab exposure above 1 μg/mL for at least 15 days. Bodyweight-based dosing increases variability in exposure compared with fixed dosing. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence to support a fixed dose of tocilizumab 600 mg in COVID-19 patients. Fixed dosing is a safe, logistically attractive, and drug expenses saving alternative compared with the current 8 mg/kg recommendation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Jan A R Moes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
- Leiden Network for Personalised Therapeutics, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - David J van Westerloo
- Department of Intensive Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra M Arend
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jesse J Swen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Network for Personalised Therapeutics, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Annick de Vries
- Biologics Lab, Sanquin Diagnostic Services, Plesmanlaan 125, 1066 CX, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk-Jan Guchelaar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Network for Personalised Therapeutics, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Simone A Joosten
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mark G J de Boer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Teun van Gelder
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Toxicology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Network for Personalised Therapeutics, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Judith van Paassen
- Department of Intensive Care, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kenny G, Mallon PWG. Tocilizumab for the treatment of non-critical COVID-19 pneumonia: an overview of the rationale and clinical evidence to date. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:1279-1287. [PMID: 34187281 PMCID: PMC8330014 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1949286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Tocilizumab is one of the main repurposed therapies investigated for COVID-19 pneumonia since the start of the pandemic, but there has been conflicting evidence for its use.Areas covered: This review covers the physiology of interleukin-6 and its role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. We discuss the use of tocilizumab in other diseases and the rationale for its use in COVID-19. We summarize the design, contrasting results, and implications of the clinical trials of tocilizumab in COVID-19 to date and discuss the current guidance for its use.Expert opinion: The evidence to date suggests benefit with the use of tocilizumab in some but not all patients with COVID-19. Benefit seems to be greatest when given early after clinical deterioration with the presence of systemic inflammation. However, questions remain around the optimal timing, patient selection, and concomitant treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Kenny
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Infectious Diseases Department, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patrick W. G. Mallon
- Centre for Experimental Pathogen Host Research, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Infectious Diseases Department, St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shukla S, Babcock Z, Pizzi L, Brunetti L. Impact of body mass index on survival and serious adverse events in advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with bevacizumab: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Curr Med Res Opin 2021; 37:811-817. [PMID: 33685311 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2021.1900091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Lung cancer accounts for 28% of all cancer deaths, more deaths than any other cancer in the United States. The influence of body composition has been evaluated in several studies, specifically, the influence of obesity on lung cancer survival. Outcomes have been mixed, with some studies demonstrating a paradoxical beneficial effect in early lung cancer where survival is improved in obese patients. The study aim was to evaluate the impact of obesity on overall survival (OS), progression free survival (PFS), and occurrence of serious adverse events (SAE) in clinical trials evaluating bevacizumab for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS We performed a post hoc analysis combining available individual level data from bevacizumab randomized clinical trials available through the Clinical Study Data Request database. The primary outcome measured in our analysis was the influence of bevacizumab on OS stratified by body mass index (BMI). In addition to OS, both PFS and the occurrence of SAE requiring therapy interruption were evaluated. All endpoints were evaluated in patients who were obese (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2) compared with non-obese (BMI <30.0 kg/m2). As a sensitivity analysis, endpoints were also evaluated in patients who were overweight (BMI ≥25.0 kg/m2) compared with non-overweight (BMI <25.0 kg/m2). In addition to analysis of each individual study, a meta-analysis was performed in order to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HR). Hazard ratios for both OS and PFS were calculated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. Odds ratios for SAE were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. The validity of the regression models was tested using a log-log plot and overall fit using the goodness of fit test. RESULTS After adjusting for covariates using a Cox proportional hazards model and combining the resulting adjusted hazard ratios using meta-analysis, there was no significant difference between obese and non-obese groups for OS or PFS. In addition, when treatment discontinuation due to an adverse event was assessed, none of the trials showed a significant difference between the obese and non-obese groups. CONCLUSION In this analysis of clinical trial data, obesity was not associated with worse survival versus non-obese individuals in advanced NSCLC. In addition, serious adverse events were similar between patients with and without obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soham Shukla
- Center for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers, NJ, USA
| | - Zachary Babcock
- Center for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers, NJ, USA
| | - Laura Pizzi
- Center for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers, NJ, USA
| | - Luigi Brunetti
- Pharmacy Practice and Administration, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers, NJ, USA
- Center of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Translational Research and Education, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, The State University of New Jersey, Rutgers, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Truffot A, Gautier-Veyret E, Baillet A, Jourdil JF, Stanke-Labesque F, Gottenberg JE. Variability of rituximab and tocilizumab trough concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2021; 35:1090-1099. [PMID: 33638167 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are eligible for treatment with therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), as well as others, such as rituximab (RTX) and tocilizumab (TCZ). Although pharmacokinetic variability and the link between concentration-clinical response of anti-TNFα mAbs have been well-described, little is known about RTX and TCZ. We aimed to evaluate the variability of RTX and TCZ serum concentrations in RA patients treated in second-line and the relationship between RTX/TCZ concentrations and the clinical response. Serum mAb trough concentrations of RA patients treated with RTX (n = 35) or TCZ (n = 46) were determined at week 24 by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The clinical response was assessed at week 24 by the change in the disease activity score in the 28 joints-erythrocyte sedimentation rate from baseline (ΔDAS28-Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) and according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations. RTX and TCZ trough concentrations were highly variable, with a coefficient of variation of 171.3% for RTX (median [10th-90th percentiles]: <1.0 µg/mL [<1.0-5.1]) and 132.6% for TCZ (median [10th-90th percentiles]: 5.4 µg/mL [<1.0-27.8]). Univariate analysis did not identify any determinants of such variability, except cotreatment with methotrexate, which was associated with lower RTX concentrations (P = 0.03). The response to treatment was not related to the RTX or TCZ trough concentration. RTX and TCZ trough concentrations at 24 weeks were highly variable in RA patients treated in the second line, without any link concentration-clinical response having been demonstrated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Truffot
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacogénétique et Toxicologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Athan Baillet
- GREPI TIMC, CNRS UMR 5525, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Jean-François Jourdil
- Laboratoire de Pharmacologie, Pharmacogénétique et Toxicologie, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Jacques-Eric Gottenberg
- Department of Rheumatology, National Reference Centre For Rare Systemic Auto-Immune Diseases, Strasbourg University Hospital, University of Strasbourg, IBMC, CNRS UPR 3572, Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Impact of tocilizumab administration on mortality in severe COVID-19. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19131. [PMID: 33154452 PMCID: PMC7645706 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-76187-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide pandemic has placed a significant burden on hospitals and healthcare providers. The immune response to this disease is thought to lead to an aberrant inflammatory response or cytokine storm, which contributes to the severity of illness. There is an urgent need to confirm whether the use of tocilizumab provides a benefit in individuals with COVID-19. A single-center propensity-score matched cohort study, including all consecutive COVID-19 patients, admitted to the medical center who were either discharged from the medical center or expired between March 1, 2020, and May 5, 2020, was performed. Patients were stratified according to the receipt of tocilizumab for cytokine storm and matched to controls using propensity scores. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. A total of 274 patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified and 132 patients were included in the matched dataset (tocilizumab = 66; no tocilizumab = 66). Approximately 73% of the patients were male. Hypertension (55%), diabetes mellitus (31%), and chronic pulmonary disease (15%) were the most common comorbidities present. There were 18 deaths (27.3%) in the tocilizumab group and 18 deaths (27.3%) in the no tocilizumab group (odds ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.465 – 2.151; p = 1.00). Advanced age, history of myocardial infarction, dementia, chronic pulmonary disease, heart failure, and malignancy were significantly more common in patients who died. The current analysis does not support the use of tocilizumab for the management of cytokine storm in patients with COVID-19. Use of this therapeutic agent should be limited to the context of a clinical trial until more evidence is available.
Collapse
|
11
|
Evaluation of dose-tapering strategies for intravenous tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis patients using model-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic simulations. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 76:1417-1425. [PMID: 32514745 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-020-02925-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody approved for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. In clinical practice, empirical dose-tapering strategies are implemented in patients showing sustained remission or low disease activity (LDA) to avoid overtreatment and reduce costs. Since rational adaptive-dosing algorithms taking the full pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics into account are currently lacking, we aimed to develop novel tapering strategies and compare them with currently used empirical ones. METHODS Four strategies were simulated on a virtual population. In all of them, the same initial dose was administered every 28 days for six consecutive months. Then, different strategies were considered: (1) label-dosing; (2) mild empirical dose-tapering; (3) intense empirical dose-tapering; (4) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)-guided dose-tapering. The different strategies were evaluated on the proportion of patients who maintain remission/LDA 1 year after the intervention. Cost-savings of direct drug costs were also estimated as relative dose intensity. RESULTS The overall proportion of simulated patients in remission/LDA after 1 year of the intervention was comparable between the mild empirical and the TDM-guided dose-tapering strategies, and much lower for the intense empirical dose-tapering strategy (80.3%, 78.2%, and 69.0%, respectively). Likewise, 1-year flare rates were lower for the mild empirical and TDM-guided tapering strategies. The relative dose intensity was lowest for the intense empirical dose-tapering, followed by the TDM-guided and the mild empirical dose-tapering approaches (61.2%, 71.0%, and 80.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the TDM-guided strategy using model-based algorithms performed similarly to mild empirical dose-tapering strategies in overall remission/LDA rates but is superior in cost-savings.
Collapse
|
12
|
Bastida C, Soy D, Ruiz-Esquide V, Sanmartí R, Huitema ADR. Exposure-response modeling of tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis using continuous composite measures and their individual components. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 85:1710-1718. [PMID: 30958574 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Tocilizumab has a direct effect on inflammatory markers. Therefore, composite measures for disease activity assessment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using these inflammatory markers may not be suitable for tocilizumab treatment. We used a modelling approach to describe the tocilizumab exposure-response relationship and to investigate the different dynamics of the individual components of the routinely used continuous composite measures. METHODS Pharmacokinetic (PK), clinical and laboratory data were obtained from a prospective, observational, single-centre study involving 35 subjects with RA treated with intravenous tocilizumab. A population PK/pharmacodynamic analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed effects models. RESULTS The population for model development comprised 1086, 1083 and 1082 observations calculated with the disease activity score based on 28 joint (DAS28) and the simplified and clinical disease activity scores (SDAI, CDAI). The tocilizumab exposure-response relationship was described with an indirect-response model. Two main groups of individual components were identified based on their different dynamics under tocilizumab treatment: (i) tender and swollen joint counts and patient and evaluator global assessment showed a slower decrease of their baseline value (half-life: 4.6 weeks, RSE: 24%) and the need for higher serum drug concentration (EC50 : 4.60 μg/mL, RSE: 103%, IIV: 359%) than (ii) C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (half-life: 2.3 weeks, RSE 19%; EC50 : 0.878 μg/mL, RSE: 41%, IIV: 238%). CONCLUSION Our study confirms a different dynamics of the individual components of the most frequently used continuous composite measures under tocilizumab treatment which should be taken into account to avoid misassessment of disease activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bastida
- Pharmacy Service, Division of Medicines, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dolors Soy
- Pharmacy Service, Division of Medicines, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.,IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Ruiz-Esquide
- Arthritis Unit, Rheumatology Department, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raimon Sanmartí
- Arthritis Unit, Rheumatology Department, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alwin D R Huitema
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bastida C, Ruiz-Esquide V, Pascal M, de Vries Schultink AHM, Yagüe J, Sanmartí R, Huitema ADR, Soy D. Fixed dosing of intravenous tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis. Results from a population pharmacokinetic analysis. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 84:716-725. [PMID: 29314183 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 12/23/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Intravenous tocilizumab is currently dosed on body weight, although a weak correlation between body weight and clearance has been described. The aim of the study was to assess the current dosing strategy and provide a scientific rational for dosing using a modelling and simulation approach. METHODS Serum concentrations and covariates were obtained from intravenous tocilizumab treated subjects at a dose of 4, 6 or 8 mg every 28 days. A population pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using nonlinear mixed effects modelling. The final model was used to simulate tocilizumab exposure to assess a dosing strategy based on body weight or fixed dosing, using as target a cumulative area under the curve at 24 weeks of treatment above 100 × 103 μg h ml-1 . RESULTS A one-compartment disposition model with parallel linear and nonlinear elimination best described the concentration-time data. The typical population mean values for clearance, apparent volume of distribution, maximum elimination rate and Michaelis-Menten constant were 0.0104 l h-1 , 4.83 l, 0.239 mg h-1 and 4.22 μg ml-1 , respectively. Interindividual variability was included for clearance (17.0%) and volume of distribution (30.8%). Significant covariates for clearance were patient body weight and C-reactive protein serum levels. An estimated exponent for body weight of 0.360 confirms the weak relationship with tocilizumab clearance. Simulations demonstrate that patients with lower weights are at risk of underdosing if the weight-based dosing approach is used. However, fixed-dosing provides a more consistent drug exposure regardless of weight category. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence to support fixed dosing of intravenous tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis patients since it reduces variability in tocilizumab exposure among weight categories compared to the current weight-based dosing approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Bastida
- Pharmacy Department, Division of Medicines, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Virginia Ruiz-Esquide
- Arthritis Unit, Rheumatology Department, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mariona Pascal
- Immunology Department, CDB, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.,IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aurelia H M de Vries Schultink
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jordi Yagüe
- Immunology Department, CDB, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.,IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raimon Sanmartí
- Arthritis Unit, Rheumatology Department, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alwin D R Huitema
- Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Dolors Soy
- Pharmacy Department, Division of Medicines, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain.,IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|