Donor-Specific Anti-Human Leukocyte Antigens Antibodies, Acute Rejection, Renal Function, and Histology in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Tacrolimus and Everolimus

Conversion to mTOR Inhibitor to Reduce the Incidence of Cytomegalovirus Recurrence in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Preemptive Treatment: A Prospective, Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Although mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTORi) are associated with a lower incidence of the first episode of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/disease in kidney transplant recipients receiving calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), the efficacy and safety of the conversion from the antimetabolite to an mTORi for the prevention of CMV recurrence are unknown.

METHODS

In this single-center prospective randomized trial, low-immunological-risk, CMV-positive kidney transplant recipients receiving preemptive therapy were randomized to be converted (sirolimus [SRL]) or not (control [CTR]) immediately after the treatment of the first episode of CMV infection/disease and were followed for 12 mo. A sample size of 72 patients was calculated to demonstrate a 75% reduction in the incidence of CMV recurrence (80% power, 95% confidence level).

RESULTS

Of 3247 adult kidney transplants performed between September 13, 2015, and May 7, 2019, 1309 (40%) were treated for the first CMV infection/disease, and 72 were randomized (35 SRL and 37 CTR). In the SRL group, there were no episodes of CMV recurrence, compared with 16 patients in the CTR group (0% versus 43%; P  < 0.0001). Four patients had a second and 1 a third recurrent CMV event. Three of them were converted to SRL and did not develop any further CMV events. There were no differences in the incidence of acute rejection, drug discontinuation, kidney function, and patient and graft survival at 12 mo.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that, in CMV-positive kidney transplant recipients, the conversion from an antiproliferative drug to SRL after the first CMV episode is an effective and safe strategy for recurrent episodes.

Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Everolimus Versus Mycophenolate in Kidney Transplant Recipients Receiving Tacrolimus

BACKGROUND

The short-term efficacy and safety of everolimus in combination with tacrolimus have been described in several clinical trials. Yet, detailed long-term data comparing the use of everolimus or mycophenolate in kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus is lacking.

METHODS

This is a 5-year follow-up post hoc analysis of a prospective trial including 288 patients who were randomized to receive a single 3 mg/kg dose of rabbit antithymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, everolimus, and prednisone (r-ATG/EVR, n=85); basiliximab, tacrolimus, everolimus, and prednisone (BAS/EVR, n=102); or basiliximab, tacrolimus, mycophenolate, and prednisone (BAS/MPS, n=101).

RESULTS

There were no differences in the incidence of treatment failure (31.8% vs. 40.2% vs. 34.7%, p=0.468), de novo donor-specific HLA antibodies (6.5 vs. 11.7 vs. 4.0%, p=0.185), patient (92.9% vs. 94.1% vs. 92.1%, p = 0.854) and death-censored graft (87.1% vs. 90.2% vs. 85.1%, p = 0.498) survivals. Using a sensitive analysis, the trajectories of eGFR were comparable in the intention-to-treat (p=0.145) and per protocol (p=0.354) populations. There were no differences in study drug discontinuation rate (22.4% vs. 30.4% vs. 17.8%, p=0.103).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, this analysis in a cohort of de novo low/moderate immunologic risk kidney transplant recipients suggests that the use of a single 3mg/kg r-ATG dose followed by EVR combined with reduced TAC concentrations was associated with similar efficacy and renal function compared to the standard of care immunosuppressive regimen.Supplemental Visual Abstract; http://links.lww.com/TP/C160.

Early conversion to a CNI-free immunosuppression with SRL after renal transplantation-Long-term follow-up of a multicenter trial

Introduction

Early conversion to a CNI-free immunosuppression with SRL was associated with an improved 1- and 3- yr renal function as compared with a CsA-based regimen in the SMART-Trial. Mixed results were reported on the occurrence of donor specific antibodies under mTOR-Is. Here, we present long-term results of the SMART-Trial.

Methods and materials

N = 71 from 6 centers (n = 38 SRL and n = 33 CsA) of the original SMART-Trial (ITT n = 140) were enrolled in this observational, non-interventional extension study to collect retrospectively and prospectively follow-up data for the interval since baseline. Primary objective was the development of dnDSA. Blood samples were collected on average 8.7 years after transplantation.

Results

Development of dnDSA was not different (SRL 5/38, 13.2% vs. CsA 9/33, 27.3%; P = 0.097). GFR remained improved under SRL with 64.37 ml/min/1.73m² vs. 53.19 ml/min/1.73m² (p = 0.044). Patient survival did not differ between groups at 10 years. There was a trend towards a reduced graft failure rate (11.6% SRL vs. 23.9% CsA, p = 0.064) and less tumors under SRL (2.6% SRL vs. 15.2% CsA, p = 0.09).

Conclusions

An early conversion to SRL did not result in an increased incidence of dnDSA nor increased long-term risk for the recipient. Transplant function remains improved with benefits for the graft survival.

Target of rapamycin inhibitors (TOR-I; sirolimus and everolimus) for primary immunosuppression in kidney transplant recipients

BACKGROUND

Kidney transplantation is the therapy of choice for many patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) with an improvement in survival rates and satisfactory short term graft survival. However, there has been little improvement in long-term survival. The place of target of rapamycin inhibitors (TOR-I) (sirolimus, everolimus), which have different modes of action from other commonly used immunosuppressive agents, in kidney transplantation remains uncertain. This is an update of a review first published in 2006.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the short and long-term benefits and harms of TOR-I (sirolimus and everolimus) when used in primary immunosuppressive regimens for kidney transplant recipients.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 20 September 2019 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register were identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs in which drug regimens, containing TOR-I commenced within seven days of transplant, were compared to alternative drug regimens, were included without age restriction, dosage or language of report.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three authors independently assessed study eligibility, risk of bias, and extracted data. Results were reported as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes and mean difference (MD) with 95% CI for continuous outcomes. Statistical analyses were performed using the random-effects model. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE MAIN RESULTS: Seventy studies (17,462 randomised participants) were included; eight studies included two comparisons to provide 78 comparisons. Outcomes were reported at six months to three years post transplant. Risk of bias was judged to be low for sequence generation in 25 studies, for allocation concealment in 23 studies, performance bias in four studies, detection bias in 65 studies, attrition bias in 45 studies, selective reporting bias in 48 studies, and for other potential bias in three studies. Risk of bias was judged to be at high risk of bias for sequence generation in two studies, allocation concealment in two studies, performance bias in 61 studies, detection bias in one study, attrition bias in four studies, for selective reporting bias in 11 studies and for other potential risk of bias in 46 studies. Compared with CNI and antimetabolite, TOR-I with antimetabolite probably makes little or no difference to death (RR 1.31, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.98; 19 studies) or malignancies (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.48; 10 studies); probably increases graft loss censored for death (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.81; 15 studies), biopsy-proven acute rejection (RR 1.60, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.04; 15 studies), need to change treatment (RR 2.42, 95% CI 1.88 to 3.11; 14 studies) and wound complications (RR 2.56, 95% CI 1.94 to 3.36; 12 studies) (moderate certainty evidence); but reduces CMV infection (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.29 to 0.63; 13 studies) (high certainty evidence). Compared with antimetabolites and CNI, TOR-I with CNI probably makes little or no difference to death (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.33; 31 studies), graft loss censored for death (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.45; 26 studies), biopsy-proven acute rejection (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.12; 24 studies); and malignancies (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.07; 17 studies); probably increases the need to change treatment (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.90; 25 studies), and wound complications (RR 1.56, 95% CI 1.28 to 1.91; 17 studies); but probably reduces CMV infection (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.58; 25 studies) (moderate certainty evidence). Lower dose TOR-I and standard dose CNI compared with higher dose TOR-I and reduced dose CNI probably makes little or no difference to death (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.78; 9 studies), graft loss censored for death (RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.54 to 2.20; 8 studies), biopsy-proven acute rejection (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.13; 8 studies), and CMV infection (RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.78 to 2.60; 5 studies) (moderate certainty evidence); and may make little or no difference to wound complications (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.71; 3 studies), malignancies (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.36 to 3.04; 7 studies), and the need to change treatments (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.42; 5 studies) (low certainty evidence). Lower dose of TOR-I compared with higher doses probably makes little or no difference to death (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.06; 13 studies), graft loss censored for death (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.19; 12 studies), biopsy-proven acute rejection (RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.43; 11 studies), CMV infection (RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.21; 9 studies), wound complications (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.29; 7 studies), and malignancy (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.32; 10 studies) (moderate certainty evidence); and may make little or no difference to the need to change treatments (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.05; 10 studies) (low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether sirolimus and everolimus differ in their effects on kidney function and lipid levels because the certainty of the evidence is very low based on a single small study with only three months of follow-up.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In studies with follow-up to three years, TOR-I with an antimetabolite increases the risk of graft loss and acute rejection compared with CNI and an antimetabolite. TOR-I with CNI potentially offers an alternative to an antimetabolite with CNI as rates of graft loss and acute rejection are similar between interventions and TOR-I regimens are associated with a reduced risk of CMV infections. Wound complications and the need to change immunosuppressive medications are higher with TOR-I regimens. While further new studies are not required, longer-term follow-up data from participants in existing methodologically robust RCTs are needed to determine how useful immunosuppressive regimens, which include TOR-I, are in maintaining kidney transplant function and survival beyond three years.

Prospective randomized study comparing everolimus and mycophenolate sodium in de novo kidney transplant recipients from expanded criteria deceased donor

The optimal immunosuppressive regimen for recipients of expanded criteria donor (ECD) kidneys has not been identified. In this single-center study, 171 recipients of ECD kidney transplants were randomized to receive antithymocyte globulin induction, and delayed introduction of reduced dose tacrolimus, prednisone and everolimus (r-ATG/EVR, n = 88), or mycophenolate (r-ATG/MPS, n = 83). No cytomegalovirus (CMV) pharmacological prophylaxis was used. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CMV infection/disease at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included treatment failure [first biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft loss, or death] and safety. Patients treated with EVR showed a 89% risk reduction (13.6 vs. 71.6%; HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.06-0.220, P < 0.001) in the incidence of first CMV infection/disease. Incidences of BPAR (16% vs. 5%, P = 0.021), graft loss (11% vs. 1%, P = 0.008), death (10% vs. 1%, P = 0.013), and treatment discontinuation (40% vs. 28%, P = 0.12) were higher in the r-ATG/EVR, leading to premature study termination. Mean glomerular filtration rate was lower in r-ATG/EVR (31.8 ± 18.8 vs. 42.6 ± 14.9, P < 0.001). In recipients of ECD kidney transplants receiving no CMV pharmacological prophylaxis, the use of everolimus was associated with higher treatment failure compared with mycophenolate despite the significant reduction in the incidence of CMV infection/disease (ClinicalTrials.gov.NCT01895049).

Impact, Screening, and Therapy of HLA Antibodies in Patients before and after Lung Transplantation

Since almost 30 years, lung transplantation is a considerable therapeutic option in patients suffering from end-stage lung disease. Up to now, the impact of donor-specific antibodies directed against donor HLA (human leukocyte antigen) before and after transplantation is still a matter of debate. As histocompatibility testing is not required for each patient according to the current national guidelines and Eurotransplant recommendations for lung transplantation, each transplantation unit has to establish a local protocol together with the tissue typing laboratory how to implement an immunological risk assessment strategy for their patients while enabling access to transplantation. Desensitization regimens might help in case of highly alloimmunized patients waiting for urgent transplantation.

Optimal dose of everolimus administered with tacrolimus in living donor kidney transplantation

Everolimus (EVR) is often administered with cyclosporine A (CsA), according to an established protocol. Although the administration protocol of EVR with tacrolimus (TAC) has not been established, it has been clinically demonstrated that a higher dose of EVR is necessary when used in combination with TAC than with CsA. In this study, we aimed to determine the optimal dose of EVR administered with TAC to maintain a similar EVR level in the blood to that observed when EVR is administered with CsA. Between June 2009 and January 2016, 22 patients who underwent living donor kidney transplantation were enrolled in this study. Among them, 12 patients were administered steroids, basiliximab, CsA, and EVR (CsA + EVR group) and 10 were administered steroids, basiliximab, TAC, and EVR (TAC + EVR group). Blood samples were collected at different time points from patients in both CsA + EVR and TAC + EVR groups, after drug administration. The trough EVR level in both groups was maintained within 3-8 ng/mL during the perioperative period. The optimal EVR doses for both groups were estimated by using a population pharmacokinetic analysis. Overall, the optimal dose of EVR for the TAC + EVR group was 3.59-fold higher than that for the CsA + EVR group to maintain a similar trough level to that of the latter group. Thus, administration of a higher EVR dose is recommended when provided in combination with TAC than with CsA to prevent adverse events caused by under immunosuppression, that could lead to acute kidney rejection.

Randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of everolimus and low-exposure tacrolimus on graft outcomes in kidney transplant recipients

This was a single-center, randomized controlled trial assessing the impact of a 3-month (10-16 weeks) conversion to everolimus with low-exposure tacrolimus, as compared to remaining on full exposure tacrolimus with mycophenolate (NCT02096107). Adult kidney transplant recipients with a functioning graft were eligible for participation. Goal troughs in the intervention arm were 2-5 ng/mL for tacrolimus and 3-8 ng/mL for everolimus, with tacrolimus maintained at 5-12 ng/mL in the control arm; 60 were randomized (30 in each arm) and were well matched at baseline; mean age was 51 years and 57% were African-American. At 12-months, fibrosis scores (27.8% tacrolimus/mycophenolate vs 22.9% tacrolimus/everolimus, P = .391), acute rejection rates (7% tacrolimus/mycophenolate vs 3% tacrolimus/everolimus, P = .554), and graft function (mean eGFR tacrolimus/mycophenolate 56 ± 15 vs tacrolimus/everolimus 59 ± 14 mL/min/1.73 m² , P = .465) were similar between arms. The everolimus arm had significantly lower rates of CMV infection, severe BK infection, and improved BK viral clearance kinetics, as compared to the MPA arm. In this population, including a significant number of African-Americans, an immunosuppression regimen of everolimus with low-exposure tacrolimus provided similar efficacy to tacrolimus and mycophenolate, with significantly lower rates of BK and CMV.

Everolimus-based Immunosuppression Possibly Suppresses Mean Fluorescence Intensity Values of De Novo Donor-specific Antibodies After Primary Kidney Transplantation

PURPOSE

We evaluated de novo donor-specific antibody (DSA) production of everolimus (EVR)-based immunosuppression for primary kidney transplant recipients involved in the A1202 study at our institute.

METHODS

From March 2008 to August 2009, 24 recipients were prospectively randomized into 2 groups. The EVR group received reduced cyclosporin A and EVR. The standard protocol (STD) group received standard cyclosporin A and mycophenolate mofetil. Both groups received basiliximab and steroids. De novo DSA was identified using LABScreen single antigen beads (One Lambda, Canoga Park, Calif., United States). Mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) values > 1000 were considered positive. P < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Graft survival was 100% in the EVR group and 90.9% in the STD group. All patients remained on the primary protocol in the EVR group, but 3 patients in the STD group (27.3%) were converted to tacrolimus due to DSA and non-adherence. Estimated glomerular filtration rate was similar in both groups. No EVR group recipients and 9.1% of STD group recipients were treated for T-cell-mediated rejection. No recipients of the EVR group exhibited peritubular capillaritis, while 9.1% in STD group developed chronic active antibody-mediated rejection. LABScreen revealed an accumulative class II DSA production rate of 15.4% in the EVR group and 18.3% in the STD group at 10 years. When the MFI cut-off level was set to 6000, anti-HLA antibody and de novo DSA-free survival was significantly better in the EVR group.

CONCLUSIONS

EVR-based immunosuppression provided equivalent or even better clinical outcomes. EVR suppressed de novo DSA production at 10 years follow-up; however, further follow-up is inevitable.

The impact of everolimus in reducing cytomegalovirus events in kidney transplant recipients on steroid-avoidance strategy: 3-year follow-up of a randomized clinical trial

There is no evidence of whether everolimus (EVR) reduces cytomegalovirus (CMV) events in patients receiving steroid-free regimens. Besides, studies evaluating a tacrolimus (TAC) and EVR regimen are limited to 1-year follow-up. In this single-center prospective randomized trial, the incidence of CMV and 3-year efficacy and safety outcomes of EVR were compared to those of mycophenolate sodium (MPS) in a steroid-free regimen based on low-exposure TAC. Both groups received rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (r-ATG) induction (6 mg/kg) and the steroids were withdrawn at day 7. Maintenance immunosuppression consisted of TAC (4-7 ng/ml until month 3 and 2-4 ng/ml thereafter) plus EVR (3-8 ng/ml) in the EVR group (n = 59); and TAC (4-7 ng/ml during all follow-up) plus MPS (1440 mg) in the MPS group (n = 56). The EVR group presented with a lower incidence of CMV events (18.6% vs. 50%, P = 0.001). No differences were observed in biopsy-proven acute rejection (6.8% vs. 3.6%, P = 0.680),graft loss (0.0% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.487),death (6.8% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.365), or estimated glomerular filtration rate at 36 months (61.1 ± 25.4 vs. 66.3 ± 24 ml/min/1.73 m² , P = 0.369). A higher proportion of patients discontinued MPS treatment (8.5% vs. 26.8%, P = 0.013) for safety issues. In conclusion, EVR was associated with lower rates of CMV events in patients induced with standard dose r-ATG and a maintenance steroid-free regimen based on TAC. This regimen effectively prevented acute rejection and demonstrated a more favorable safety profile. (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT02084446).

Tailoring tacrolimus therapy in kidney transplantation

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of end-stage renal disease is increasing worldwide. The best treatment is kidney transplantation, although life-long immunosuppressive therapy is then mandatory. Currently, the cornerstone immunosuppressive therapy relies on tacrolimus (Tac), a calcineurin inhibitor that is nephrotoxic but whose exposition can be minimized in a delicate balance. Area covered: We addressed whether, in the setting of kidney transplantation, Tac-based therapy can be tailored to medical needs: to achieve this, we searched for suitable articles in PubMed. Expert commentary: Too over-minimization of Tac, when associated with mycophenolic acid (MPA), may cause the development of de novo donor-specific alloantibodies (DSA). However, Tac minimization, in the context of everolimus-associated therapy instead of MPA, does not increase DSA formation as demonstrated in the TRANSFORM study and, in addition, can prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection/reactivation. Nonetheless, Tac therapy, regardless of its formulation (immediate or extended release) compared to cyclosporine A, increases the risk of posttransplant diabetes mellitus; this increase is not affected by steroid therapy. Tac-based immunosuppression remains the best immunosuppressive therapy in kidney-transplant recipients and can be tailored according to patients' need.