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Jesus D, Henriques C, Matos A, Doria A, Inês LS. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score Remission and Low Disease Activity States Discriminate Drug From Placebo and Better Health-Related Quality of Life. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2024; 76:788-795. [PMID: 38258369 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25305] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the ability of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) remission and low disease activity (LDA) to discriminate active drug from placebo and to discriminate outcomes in the patients' perspective (health-related quality of life [HR-QoL]) in SLE trials. METHODS This was a post hoc analysis of the pooled Belimumab in Subjects With SLE (BLISS)-52 (NCT00424476) and BLISS-76 (NCT00410384) trials data. SLE-DAS remission and LDA attainment and discrimination between belimumab and placebo at 52 weeks were compared using chi-square tests. At week 52, 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue (FACIT-F) scores were compared between patients attaining SLE-DAS remission versus nonremission and SLE-DAS LDA versus non-LDA using the t-test and Mann-Whitney test. Mean changes from week 0 to 52 in SF-36 and FACIT-F scores were compared between groups using multivariate regression analysis adjusted for baseline scores. RESULTS At week 52, significantly more patients attained SLE-DAS LDA taking belimumab 1 mg/kg (17.9% vs 13.0%; P = 0.023; odds ratio [OR] 1.459; relative risk [RR] 1.377; number needed to treat [NNT] 20.4) and 10 mg/kg (21.7% vs 13.0%; P < 0.001; OR 1.853; RR 1.668; NNT 11.5) compared with placebo. Likewise, more patients attained SLE-DAS remission taking belimumab 10 mg/kg compared to placebo (14.7% vs 10.1%; P = 0.019; OR 1.532; RR 1.454; NNT 21.7). At week 52, patients attaining SLE-DAS remission and LDA presented higher SF-36 domain and summary scores (all P < 0.001) and FACIT-F scores (both P < 0.001). Mean improvements from baseline in SF-36 and FACIT-F scores were significantly higher in patients achieving SLE-DAS remission and LDA. CONCLUSION SLE-DAS remission and LDA showed discriminant ability for identifying patients receiving active drug in SLE clinical trials. Attainment of these SLE-DAS targets are associated with better HR-QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Jesus
- Centro Hospitalar de Leiria, Leiria, Portugal, and Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhá, Portugal
| | - Carla Henriques
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Viseu, Portugal, and Centre for Mathematics, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Matos
- School of Technology and Management, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, and Research Centre in Digital Services (CISeD), Viseu, Portugal
| | | | - Luís S Inês
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhá, Portugal, and CHUC Lupus Clinic, Centro Hospitalar e Universit_ario de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Jones SA, Morand EF. Targeting Interferon Signalling in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Lessons Learned. Drugs 2024:10.1007/s40265-024-02043-2. [PMID: 38807010 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-024-02043-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The development of new medicines for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has not addressed unmet clinical need, with only three drugs receiving regulatory approval for SLE in the last 60 years, one of which was specifically licensed for lupus nephritis. In the last 20 years it has become clear that activation of type 1 interferons (IFN) is reproducibly detected in the majority of SLE patients, and the actions of IFN in the immune system and on target tissues is consistent with a pathogenic role in SLE. These findings led to considerable drug discovery activity, first with agents directly targeting IFN family cytokines, with results that were encouraging but underwhelming. In contrast, targeting the type I IFN receptor with the monoclonal antibody anifrolumab, thereby blocking all IFN family members, was effective in a phase II clinical trial. This led to a pair of phase III trials, one of which was negative and the other positive, reflecting the difficulty of obtaining outcomes from trials in this complex disease. Nonetheless, the balance of evidence resulted in approval of anifrolumab in multiple jurisdictions from 2021 onwards. Multiple approaches to targeting the type 1 IFN pathway have subsequently had positive phase II clinical trials, including antibodies targeting cells that produce IFN, and small molecules targeting the receptor kinase TYK2, required for IFN signalling. Despite multiple hurdles, it is clear that IFN targeting in SLE is here to stay. The story of IFN-targeting therapy in SLE has lessons for drug development overall in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Jones
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Eric F Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
- Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, Australia.
- Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, VIC, 3168, Australia.
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3
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Hoi A, Igel T, Mok CC, Arnaud L. Systemic lupus erythematosus. Lancet 2024; 403:2326-2338. [PMID: 38642569 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00398-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystemic autoimmune disease characterised by the presence of autoantibodies towards nuclear antigens, immune complex deposition, and chronic inflammation at classic target organs such as skin, joints, and kidneys. Despite substantial advances in the diagnosis and management of SLE, the burden of disease remains high. It is important to appreciate the typical presentations and the diagnostic process to facilitate early referral and diagnosis for patients. In most patients, constitutional, mucocutaneous, and musculoskeletal symptoms represent the earliest complaints; these symptoms can include fatigue, lupus-specific rash, mouth ulcers, alopecia, joint pain, and myalgia. In this Seminar we will discuss a diagnostic approach to symptoms in light of the latest classification criteria, which include a systematic evaluation of clinical manifestations (weighted within each domain) and autoantibody profiles (such as anti-double-stranded DNA, anti-Sm, hypocomplementaemia, or antiphospholipid antibodies). Non-pharmacotherapy management is tailored to the individual, with specific lifestyle interventions and patient education to improve quality of life and medication (such as hydroxychloroquine or immunosuppressant) adherence. In the last decade, there have been a few major breakthroughs in approved treatments for SLE and lupus nephritis, such as belimumab, anifrolumab, and voclosporin. However the disease course remains variable and mortality unacceptably high. Access to these expensive medications has also been restricted across different regions of the world. Nonetheless, understanding of treatment goals and strategies has improved. We recognise that the main goal of treatment is the achievement of remission or low disease activity. Comorbidities due to both disease activity and treatment adverse effects, especially infections, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease, necessitate vigilant prevention and management strategies. Tailoring treatment options to achieve remission, while balancing treatment-related comorbidities, are priority areas of SLE management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberta Hoi
- Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Talia Igel
- Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chi Chiu Mok
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Laurent Arnaud
- Department of Rheumatology, National Reference Center for Autoimmune Diseases, INSERM UMR-S 1109, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
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4
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Pitsigavdaki S, Nikoloudaki M, Garantziotis P, Silvagni E, Repa A, Marangoni A, Flouri I, Avgoustidis N, Parperis K, Fanouriakis A, Govoni M, Sidiropoulos P, Boumpas DT, Bortoluzzi A, Bertsias G. Pragmatic targets for moderate/severe SLE and their implications for clinical care and trial design: sustained DORIS or LLDAS for at least 6 months is sufficient while their attainment for at least 24 months ensures high specificity for damage-free progression. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:464-474. [PMID: 38233103 PMCID: PMC10958283 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Treatment targets in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have been validated in unselected-in terms of severity-cohorts, which limits their generalisability. We assessed remission (Definition of Remission in SLE (DORIS)) and Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) in a historical cohort of 348 patients with active moderate-to-severe disease and median follow-up of 5 years. METHODS Active SLE was defined as Physician Global Assessment ≥1.5 and/or SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 ≥6, requiring therapy intensification. DORIS/LLDAS, organ damage, flares and adverse events were monitored. Shared frailty survival, generalised linear models and K-means clustering were applied. RESULTS Sustained DORIS and LLDAS for ≥6 months occurred in 41.1% and 80.4%, respectively, and resulted in reduced damage accrual (HR: 0.58; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.93 and 0.61; 0.43 to 0.86) and severe flares (HR: 0.14; 0.08 to 0.27 and 0.19; 0.13 to 0.27). LLDAS without DORIS was also protective (HR: 0.65; 0.43 to 0.98 for damage, 0.49; 0.36 to 0.67 for flares). Models fitting increasing duration of targets showed that DORIS ≥50% and LLDAS ≥60% of time, or alternatively, ≥24 and ≥36 months, achieved optimal balance between feasibility (20.2-41.7%) and specificity (73.3-86.1%) for damage-free outcome. These targets were linked to reduced serious adverse events (risk ratio (RR): 0.56-0.71), hospitalisation (RR: 0.70) and mortality (RR: 0.06-0.13). Patients with predominant arthritis and mucocutaneous disease experienced reduced DORIS/LLDAS, compared with counterparts with major organ involvement. Conventional drugs were more frequently used in the former group, whereas potent immunosuppressive/biological agents in the latter. CONCLUSIONS In moderate-to-severe SLE, sustained DORIS/LLDAS for at least 6 months is sufficient, while attainment for at least 24 months ensures higher specificity for damage-free progression, thus facilitating treat-to-target strategies and clinical trials. Arthritis and skin disease represent unmet therapeutic needs that could benefit from novel biologics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Pitsigavdaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Myrto Nikoloudaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Garantziotis
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Centre of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital of Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ettore Silvagni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Argyro Repa
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonio Marangoni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Irini Flouri
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nestor Avgoustidis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Parperis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Cyprus Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Prodromos Sidiropoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
- Division of Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Centre of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S.Anna, Ferrara, Italy
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
- Division of Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
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Elsisi GH, Waleed AA, Shehhy WA, Farghaly M. Microsimulation model of the cost-effectiveness of anifrolumab compared to belimumab in the United Arab Emirates. J Med Econ 2024; 27:23-34. [PMID: 38468481 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2024.2320603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION SLE imposes a significant morbidity and mortality as well as a substantial burden on the healthcare system. The model aimed to measure the cost-effectiveness of anifrolumab implementation against belimumab as an add-on-therapy to the standard of care (SoC) over a lifetime horizon for Emirati patients. METHODOLOGY A microsimulation model was used to assess the cost-effectiveness of anifrolumab against belimumab (IV/SC) as an add-on therapy to SoC in a hypothetical cohort of adult Emirati patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) over a lifetime horizon. The clinical data was captured from published clinical trials as; TULIP-1, TULIP-2, BLISS-52, BLISS-76 and BLISS-SC. Health utility scores were constructed according to a linear regression model from the pooled data of the two TULIP Phase III trials of anifrolumab. Our model captures direct SLE-related medical costs from the Dubai Health Authority. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess model uncertainty. RESULTS Using BICLA as a response criterion in the Johns Hopkins cohort, anifrolumab was found to be more effective than belimumab (IV/SC; the incremental discounted QALY of anifrolumab against belimumab was 0.42). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of anifrolumab against belimumab IV and belimumab SC were AED 466,371 ($209,135) and AED 252,612 ($113,279), respectively, these ICERs are below the cost-effectiveness threshold in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (three times gross domestic product capita; AED 592,278). In the Toronto lupus cohort, the ICER of anifrolumab against belimumab IV and belimumab SC were AED 491,403 ($220,360) and AED 276,642 ($124,055), respectively (anifrolumab was a cost-effective option vs. belimumab IV and belimumab SC). CONCLUSION The addition of anifrolumab to SoC is a cost-effective option versus belimumab for the treatment of adult patients with active, autoantibody-positive SLE, despite being allocated to SoC. Cost-effectiveness was demonstrated by a reduction in complications and organ damage, which reflected costs and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Walid Al Shehhy
- Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC), HMS Mirdif Hospital, Dubai, Emirates
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Parra Sánchez AR, van Vollenhoven RF, Morand EF, Bruce IN, Kandane-Rathnayake R, Weiss G, Tummala R, Al-Mossawi H, Sorrentino A. Targeting DORIS Remission and LLDAS in SLE: A Review. Rheumatol Ther 2023; 10:1459-1477. [PMID: 37798595 PMCID: PMC10654283 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-023-00601-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Remission is the established therapeutic goal for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is currently defined by the widely adopted Definition Of Remission In SLE (DORIS) criteria. Attainment of remission is rare in the clinical setting, thus an alternative, pragmatic treatment target of low disease activity, as defined by the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS), provides a less stringent and more attainable treatment goal for a wider proportion of patients compared with DORIS remission. Randomized controlled trials and real-world analyses have confirmed the positive clinical benefits of achieving either DORIS remission or LLDAS. The treat-to-target (T2T) approach utilizes practical clinical targets to proactively tailor individual treatment regimens. Studies in other chronic inflammatory diseases using the T2T approach demonstrated significantly improved clinical outcomes and quality-of-life measures compared with established standard of care. However, such trials have not yet been performed in patients with SLE. Here we review the evolution of DORIS remission and LLDAS definitions and the evidence supporting the positive clinical outcomes following DORIS remission or LLDAS attainment, before discussing considerations for implementation of these outcome measures as potential T2T objectives. Adoption of DORIS remission and LLDAS treatment goals may result in favorable patient outcomes compared with established standard of care for patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agner R Parra Sánchez
- Amsterdam Rheumatology Center ARC, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ronald F van Vollenhoven
- Amsterdam Rheumatology Center ARC, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric F Morand
- Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Ian N Bruce
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Gudrun Weiss
- Global Medical Affairs, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Raj Tummala
- Clinical Development, Late Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Hussein Al-Mossawi
- Clinical Development, Late Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alessandro Sorrentino
- Global Medical Affairs, Respiratory and Immunology, BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
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González-García A, Cusácovich I, Ruiz-Irastorza G. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: new therapeutic options. Rev Clin Esp 2023; 223:629-639. [PMID: 38000622 DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2023.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown cause, with heterogeneity in its clinical presentation, as well as variability in its clinical course and prognosis. The current goal of treatment is to achieve disease remission or a state of low activity, and thereby improve the patient's quality of life. Biological therapy in lupus, unlike other entities, although it has not been fully established, in recent years it has burst onto the scene with important therapeutic novelties. This review aims to update the therapeutic tools for the treatment of SLE focusing on the new molecules that have achieved the objectives of their clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A González-García
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain.
| | - I Cusácovich
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - G Ruiz-Irastorza
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes, Servicio de Medicina Interna, BioCruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, UPV/EHU, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
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8
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Koo M, Lu MC. Performance of a New Instrument for the Measurement of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity: The SLE-DAS. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:2097. [PMID: 38138199 PMCID: PMC10744780 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59122097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems and manifests in a relapsing-remitting pattern. Consequently, it is paramount for rheumatologists to assess disease activity, identify flare-ups, and establish treatment goals for patients with SLE. In 2019, the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) was introduced as a novel tool for measuring disease activity. This tool refines the parameters of the established SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) to enhance the assessment process. This review aims to provide an introduction to the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Score (SLE-DAS) and summarizes research on its development, its comparison with existing disease activity measures, and its performance in clinical settings. Literature searches on PubMed using the keyword "SLE-DAS" were conducted, covering publications from March 2019 to September 2023. Studies that compared SLE-DAS with other SLE disease activity measurement tools were reviewed. Findings indicated that SLE-DAS consistently performs on par with, and sometimes better than, traditional measures in assessing clinically meaningful changes, patient improvement, disease activity, health-related quality of life, hospitalization rates, and disease flare-ups. The association between SLE-DAS and mortality rates among patients with SLE, however, remains to be further explored. Although SLE-DAS is a promising and potentially effective tool for measuring SLE disease activity, additional research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and broaden its clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Koo
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 970302, Taiwan;
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Ming-Chi Lu
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chiayi 622401, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970374, Taiwan
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Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a severe multisystem autoimmune disease that can cause injury in almost every body system. While considered a classic example of autoimmunity, it is still relatively poorly understood. Treatment with immunosuppressive agents is challenging, as many agents are relatively non-specific, and the underlying disease is characterized by unpredictable flares and remissions. This State of The Art Review provides a comprehensive current summary of systemic lupus erythematosus based on recent literature. In basic and translational science, this summary includes the current state of genetics, epigenetics, differences by ancestry, and updates about the molecular and immunological pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus. In clinical science, the summary includes updates in diagnosis and classification, clinical features and subphenotypes, and current guidelines and strategies for treatment. The paper also provides a comprehensive review of the large number of recent clinical trials in systemic lupus erythematosus. Current knowns and unknowns are presented, and potential directions for the future are suggested. Improved knowledge of immunological pathogenesis and the molecular differences that exist between patients should help to personalize treatment, minimize side effects, and achieve better outcomes in this difficult disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric F Morand
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Rheumatology, Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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10
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Tanaka Y. Viewpoint on anifrolumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and a high unmet need in clinical practice. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003270. [PMID: 37597847 PMCID: PMC10441065 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterised by unpredictable flares. Many patients with SLE are unable to achieve the recommended treatment goal of remission or the intermediate, yet still clinically beneficial, goal of Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) with standard of care (SoC) treatments. LLDAS is an emerging treat-to-target goal in SLE with the aim of reducing organ damage and mortality. A high unmet need remains in SLE and mainstay glucocorticoid treatment is associated with unacceptable toxicity. The recently approved type I interferon receptor antagonist anifrolumab is a new treatment option for this historically underserved patient population. In phase 3 trials, a higher percentage of patients on anifrolumab achieved remission, as defined by the Definition Of Remission In SLE (DORIS), and LLDAS compared with placebo. Real-world clinical experience with anifrolumab use is still limited. Until real-world study results and updated treatment guidelines are available, personal expert clinical experience supported by data may inform clinical decision-making. This viewpoint article discusses four example patient types that could be considered for anifrolumab treatment based on (1) high-risk features early in the disease course, (2) inability to achieve and (3) maintain at least LLDAS, or (4) a desire to reduce or stop SoC. These patients with high unmet need may benefit from the addition of anifrolumab to SoC to achieve or maintain the therapeutic goals of LLDAS or DORIS remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
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Zucchi D, Cardelli C, Elefante E, Tani C, Mosca M. Treat-to-Target in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Reality or Pipe Dream. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093348. [PMID: 37176788 PMCID: PMC10178979 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Treat-to-target is a therapeutic approach based on adjustments to treatment at set intervals in order to achieve well-defined, clinically relevant targets. This approach has been successfully applied to many chronic conditions, and in rheumatology promising results have emerged for rheumatoid arthritis. For systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), defining the most meaningful treatment targets has been challenging, due to disease complexity and heterogeneity. Control of disease activity, the reduction of damage accrual and the patient's quality of life should be considered as the main targets in SLE, and several new drugs are emerging to achieve these targets. This review is focused on describing the target to achieve in SLE and the methods to do so, and it is also aimed at discussing if treat-to-target could be a promising approach also for this complex disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Zucchi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Cardelli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Elefante
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Tani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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