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van Vugt LK, van der Zwan M, Clahsen-van Groningen MC, van Agteren M, Hullegie-Peelen DM, De Winter BCM, Reinders MEJ, Miranda Afonso P, Hesselink DA. A Decade of Experience With Alemtuzumab Therapy for Severe or Glucocorticoid-Resistant Kidney Transplant Rejection. Transpl Int 2023; 36:11834. [PMID: 38020744 PMCID: PMC10660975 DOI: 10.3389/ti.2023.11834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Alemtuzumab is used as lymphocyte-depleting therapy for severe or glucocorticoid-resistant kidney transplant rejection. However, the long-term efficacy and toxicity of alemtuzumab therapy are unclear. Therefore, all cases of alemtuzumab anti-rejection therapy between 2012 and 2022 in our institution were investigated. Graft survival, graft function, lymphocyte depletion, serious infections, malignancies, and patient survival were analyzed and compared with a reference cohort of transplanted patients who did not require alemtuzumab anti-rejection therapy. A total of 225 patients treated with alemtuzumab were identified and compared with a reference cohort of 1,668 patients. Over 60% of grafts was salvaged with alemtuzumab therapy, but graft survival was significantly poorer compared to the reference cohort. The median time of profound T- and B lymphocyte depletion was 272 and 344 days, respectively. Serious infection rate after alemtuzumab therapy was 54.1/100 person-years. The risk of death (hazard ratio 1.75, 95%-CI 1.28-2.39) and infection-related death (hazard ratio 2.36, 95%-CI 1.35-4.11) were higher in the alemtuzumab-treated cohort. In conclusion, alemtuzumab is an effective treatment for severe kidney transplant rejection, but causes long-lasting lymphocyte depletion and is associated with frequent infections and worse patient survival outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas K. van Vugt
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marieke van der Zwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, A. Schweitzer Hospital Dordrecht, Dordrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marian C. Clahsen-van Groningen
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Agteren
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Daphne M. Hullegie-Peelen
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Brenda C. M. De Winter
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marlies E. J. Reinders
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Pedro Miranda Afonso
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dennis A. Hesselink
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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2
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Hesselink DA, Hullegie-Peelen DM, van Vugt LK. Personalized anti-rejection therapy with alemtuzumab for kidney transplant recipients. Pharmacogenomics 2022; 23:567-570. [PMID: 35763447 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2022-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis A Hesselink
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology & Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daphne M Hullegie-Peelen
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology & Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lukas K van Vugt
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology & Transplantation, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Hullegie-Peelen DM, van der Zwan M, Clahsen-van Groningen MC, Mustafa DAM, Baart SJ, Reinders MEJ, Baan CC, Hesselink DA. Clinical and Molecular Profiling to Develop a Potential Prediction Model for the Response to Alemtuzumab Therapy for Acute Kidney Transplant Rejection. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2022; 111:1155-1164. [PMID: 35202481 PMCID: PMC9314084 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.2566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alemtuzumab, a monoclonal antibody that depletes CD52‐bearing immune cells, is an effective drug for the treatment of severe or glucocorticoid‐resistant acute kidney transplant rejection (AR). Patient‐specific predictions on treatment response are, however, urgently needed, given the severe side effects of alemtuzumab. This study developed a multidimensional prediction model with the aim of generating clinically useful prognostic scores for the response to alemtuzumab. Clinical and histological characteristics were collected retrospectively from patients who were treated with alemtuzumab for AR. In addition, targeted gene expression profiling of AR biopsy tissues was performed. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression modeling was used to construct the ALEMtuzumab for Acute Rejection (ALEMAR) prognostic score. Response to alemtuzumab was defined as patient and allograft survival and at least once an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) > 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 during the first 6 months after treatment. One hundred fifteen patients were included, of which 84 (73%) had a response to alemtuzumab. The ALEMAR‐score accurately predicted the chance of response. Gene expression analysis identified 13 differentially expressed genes between responders and nonresponders. The combination of the ALEMAR‐score and selected genes resulted in improved predictions of treatment response. The present preliminary prediction model is potentially helpful for the development of stratified alemtuzumab treatment for acute kidney transplant rejection but requires validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne M Hullegie-Peelen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology & Transplantation, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke van der Zwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology & Transplantation, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marian C Clahsen-van Groningen
- Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dana A M Mustafa
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,The Tumor Immuno-Pathology Laboratory, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sara J Baart
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marlies E J Reinders
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology & Transplantation, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carla C Baan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology & Transplantation, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis A Hesselink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology & Transplantation, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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Vandebergh M, Degryse N, Dubois B, Goris A. Environmental risk factors in multiple sclerosis: bridging Mendelian randomization and observational studies. J Neurol 2022; 269:4565-4574. [PMID: 35366084 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-022-11072-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complex disease with both genetic variants and environmental factors involved in disease susceptibility. The main environmental risk factors associated with MS in observational studies include obesity, vitamin D deficiency, Epstein-Barr virus infection and smoking. As modifying these environmental and lifestyle factors may enable prevention, it is important to pinpoint causal links between these factors and MS. Leveraging genetics through the Mendelian randomization (MR) paradigm is an elegant way to inform prevention strategies in MS. In this review, we summarize MR studies regarding the impact of environmental factors on MS susceptibility, thereby paying attention to quality criteria which will aid readers in interpreting any MR studies. We draw parallels and differences with observational studies and randomized controlled trials and look forward to the challenges that such work presents going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marijne Vandebergh
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1022, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Degryse
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1022, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bénédicte Dubois
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1022, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Neurology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - An Goris
- Laboratory for Neuroimmunology, Department of Neurosciences, Leuven Brain Institute, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49 bus 1022, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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Rajabally YA. Immunoglobulin and Monoclonal Antibody Therapies in Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:885-896. [PMID: 35648286 PMCID: PMC9159039 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01253-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute autoimmune polyradiculoneuropathy affecting 1-2 subjects per 100,000 every year worldwide. It causes, in its classic form, symmetric weakness in the proximal and distal limb muscles with common involvement of the cranial nerves, particularly facial weakness. Respiratory function is compromised in a case in four. Randomised controlled trials have demonstrated the benefit of therapeutic plasma exchange in hastening time to recovery. Intravenous immunoglobulin was subsequently shown to be as efficacious as plasma exchange in adult subjects. In children, few trials have shown the benefit of intravenous immunoglobulin versus supportive care. Pharmacokinetic studies suggested a relationship between increase in immunoglobulin G level post-infusion and outcome, implying administration of larger doses may be beneficial in subjects with poor prognosis. However, a subsequent trial of a second dose of immunoglobulin in such subjects failed to show improved outcome, while demonstrating a higher risk of thromboembolic side-effects. Monoclonal antibody therapy has more recently been investigated for GBS, after multiple studies in animal models, with different agents and variable postulated mechanisms of action. Eculizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody against the complement protein C5, was tested in in two randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trials. Neither showed benefit versus immunoglobulins alone on disability level at 4 weeks, although one study importantly suggested possible, clinically highly relevant, late effects on normalising function. A phase 3 trial is in progress. Preliminary results of a placebo-controlled ongoing study of ANX005, a humanised recombinant antibody against C1q inhibiting the complement cascade, have been promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf A Rajabally
- Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
- Inflammatory Neuropathy Clinic, University Hospitals Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, B15 2TH, UK.
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6
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Faravelli I, Velardo D, Podestà MA, Ponticelli C. Immunosuppression-related neurological disorders in kidney transplantation. J Nephrol 2021; 34:539-555. [PMID: 33481222 PMCID: PMC8036223 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-020-00956-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
A large number of neurological disorders can affect renal transplant recipients, potentially leading to disabling or life-threatening complications. Prevention, early diagnosis and appropriate management of these conditions are critical to avoid irreversible lesions. A pivotal role in the pathogenesis of common post-transplant neurological disorders is played by immunosuppressive therapy. The most frequently administered regimen consists of triple immunosuppression, which comprises a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), a purine synthesis inhibitor and glucocorticoids. Some of these immunosuppressive drugs may lead to neurological signs and symptoms through direct neurotoxic effects, and all of them may be responsible for the development of tumors or opportunistic infections. In this review, after a brief summary of neurotoxic pathogenetic mechanisms encompassing recent advances in the field, we focus on the clinical presentation of more common and severe immunosuppression-related neurological complications, classifying them by characteristics of urgency and anatomic site. Our goal is to provide a general framework that addresses such clinical issues with a multidisciplinary approach, as these conditions require.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Faravelli
- Neuroscience Section, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation (DEPT), Dino Ferrari Centre, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Daniele Velardo
- Neurology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Manuel Alfredo Podestà
- Renal Division, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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7
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Guillain-Barré syndrome and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy after alemtuzumab therapy in kidney transplant recipients. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2020; 7:7/6/e882. [PMID: 32769202 PMCID: PMC7482194 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
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8
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van der Zwan M, Clahsen-Van Groningen MC, van den Hoogen MWF, Kho MML, Roodnat JI, Mauff KAL, Roelen DL, van Agteren M, Baan CC, Hesselink DA. Comparison of Alemtuzumab and Anti-thymocyte Globulin Treatment for Acute Kidney Allograft Rejection. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1332. [PMID: 32719676 PMCID: PMC7350932 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG) is currently the treatment of choice for glucocorticoid-resistant, recurrent, or severe acute allograft rejection (AR). However, rATG is associated with severe infusion-related side effects. Alemtuzumab is incidentally given to kidney transplant recipients as treatment for AR. In the current study, the outcomes of patients treated with alemtuzumab for AR were compared with that of patients treated with rATG for AR. The patient-, allograft-, and infection-free survival and adverse events of 116 alemtuzumab-treated patients were compared with those of 108 patients treated with rATG for AR. Propensity scores were used to control for differences between the two groups. Patient- and allograft survival of patients treated with either alemtuzumab or rATG were not different [hazard ratio (HR) 1.14, 95%-confidence interval (CI) 0.48–2.69, p = 0.77, and HR 0.82, 95%-CI 0.45–1.5, p = 0.52, respectively). Infection-free survival after alemtuzumab treatment was superior compared with that of rATG-treated patients (HR 0.41, 95%-CI 0.25–0.68, p < 0.002). Infusion-related adverse events occurred less frequently after alemtuzumab treatment. Alemtuzumab therapy may therefore be an alternative therapy for glucocorticoid-resistant, recurrent, or severe acute kidney transplant rejection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke van der Zwan
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Rotterdam Transplant Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marian C Clahsen-Van Groningen
- Rotterdam Transplant Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martijn W F van den Hoogen
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Rotterdam Transplant Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marcia M L Kho
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Rotterdam Transplant Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Joke I Roodnat
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Rotterdam Transplant Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katya A L Mauff
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dave L Roelen
- Department of Immunohematology and Blood Transfusion, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Madelon van Agteren
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Rotterdam Transplant Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Carla C Baan
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Rotterdam Transplant Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dennis A Hesselink
- Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Rotterdam Transplant Group, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
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