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Ringold S, Dennos AC, Kimura Y, Beukelman T, Shrader P, Phillips TA, Kohlheim M, Schanberg LE, Yeung RSM, Horton DB. Disease Recapture Rates After Medication Discontinuation and Flare in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: An Observational Study Within the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2023; 75:715-723. [PMID: 35921198 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with well-controlled juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) frequently experience flares after medication discontinuation, but the outcomes of these flares have not been well described. The objective of this study was to characterize the rates and predictors of disease recapture among children with JIA who restarted medication to treat disease flare. METHODS Children with JIA who discontinued conventional synthetic or biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for well-controlled disease but subsequently experienced a flare and restarted medication were identified from the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) registry. The primary outcome was inactive disease (ID) (physician global assessment <1 and active joint count = 0) 6 months after flare. RESULTS A total of 333 patients had complete data for ID at 6 months after flare. The recapture rate for the cohort was 55%, ranging from 47% (persistent oligoarthritis) to 69% (systemic arthritis) (P = 0.4). Approximately 67% of children achieved ID by 12 months. In the multivariable model, history and reinitiation of biologic drugs were associated with increased odds of successful recapture (odds ratio [OR] 4.79 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.22-18.78] and OR 2.74 [95% CI 1.62-4.63], respectively). Number of joints with limited range of motion was associated with decreased odds (OR 0.83 per 1 joint increase [95% CI 0.72-0.95]). CONCLUSION Approximately half of JIA flares post-discontinuation were recaptured within 6 months, but rates of recapture varied across JIA categories. These findings inform shared decision-making for patients, families, and clinicians regarding the risks and benefits of medication discontinuation. Better understanding of biologic predictors of successful recapture in JIA are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yukiko Kimura
- Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital, Hackensack, New Jersey
| | | | | | | | - Melanie Kohlheim
- Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Parent/Patient Partner
| | | | - Rae S M Yeung
- Hospital for Sick Children and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Mori S, Okada A, Koga T, Ueki Y. Long-term outcomes after discontinuing biological drugs and tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270391. [PMID: 35737642 PMCID: PMC9223309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study examined long-term outcomes of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and tofacitinib discontinuation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Ninety-seven RA patients who desired drug discontinuation after sustained remission or low disease activity for at least 48 weeks due to stable treatment with biological drugs or tofacitinib were enrolled into this study. All patients were prospectively followed until disease flare or the end of the study. Discontinued drugs (previous drugs) were reintroduced to treat flares. Results Following bDMARD/tofacitinib discontinuation (mean follow-up, 2.1 years; standard deviation, 2.0), disease flare occurred at a crude incidence rate of 0.36 per person-year. The median time to flare was 1.6 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9–2.6), and the cumulative flare probability was estimated to be 45% at 1 year, 64% at 3 years, and 80% at 5 years. No or little radiological progression was shown in 87.1% of patients who maintained remission for 3 years. A Fine‒Gray competing risk regression analysis showed that predictive factors for a flare were longer RA duration at the start of bDMARD/tofacitinib treatment, previous failure of treatment with bDMARDs, and a shorter period of remission or low disease activity before drug discontinuation. Type of discontinued drug was not identified as a predictive factor after adjusting for other predictor variables. Restarting previous treatment regimens led to rapidly regaining disease control in 89% of flare patients within 1 month. Conclusion Discontinuation of bDMARD/tofacitinib may be a feasible strategy in RA patients, especially patients with early treated and longer-controlled RA. Flares are manageable in most RA patients and radiological progression is rare for at least 3 years in patients with sustained remission after bDMARD/tofacitinib discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Mori
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Saishun Medical Center, Kohshi, Kumamoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Akitomo Okada
- Department of Rheumatology, Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Koga
- Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yukitaka Ueki
- Rheumatic and Collagen Disease Center, Sasebo Chuo Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan
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Morel J, Tournadre A, Sellam J, Bouhnik Y, Cornec D, Devauchelle-Pensec V, Dieudé P, Goupille P, Kluger N, Lazaro E, Le Goff B, de Lédinghen V, Lequerré T, Nocturne G, Seror R, Truchetet ME, Verhoeven F, Pham T, Richez C. Practical Management of patients on anti-IL6R therapy: Practical guidelines drawn up by the Club Rhumatismes et Inflammation (CRI). Joint Bone Spine 2021; 88:105221. [PMID: 34183155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2021.105221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Morel
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Anne Tournadre
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jérémie Sellam
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Yoram Bouhnik
- Service de Gastro-entérologie, CHU Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Divi Cornec
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHRU La Cavale Blanche, Brest, France
| | | | - Philippe Dieudé
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | | | - Nicolas Kluger
- Dpt Dermatology, Helsinki, Finland & Service de Dermatologie, CHU Bichat-Claude Bernard, Paris, France
| | - Estibaliz Lazaro
- Service de Médecine interne, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | | | - Victor de Lédinghen
- Unité d'Hépatologie et transplantation hépatique, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | | | | | - Raphaèle Seror
- Service de Rhumatologie, Bicêtre, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | | | | | - Thao Pham
- Service de Rhumatologie, CHU Sainte-Marguerite, Marseille, France
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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: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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.
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Hirabayashi Y. Tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody, efficiently ameliorates persistent joint inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Mod Rheumatol 2020; 31:70-79. [PMID: 32342712 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2020.1761078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ) in the treatment of persistent arthritis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS The response to TCZ was evaluated in 304 patients with RA. TCZ treatment was completed after no fewer than 168 consecutive days between 28 May 2008 and 31 July 2019. Efficacy was evaluated using the DAS28-ESR and EULAR response criteria. RESULTS The mean DAS28-ESR decreased from 4.5 at baseline to 2.0 and 1.5, at 2 months and 1 year after treatment initiation, respectively, and was below 1.5 at 10 years. The retention rate within 1 year was 92.3%. TCZ re-administration to 74 patients with relapsed RA after TCZ withdrawal was also effective. The mean DAS28-ESR decreased from 4.4 at baseline to 1.8 and 1.6 at 2 months and 1 year after retreatment initiation, respectively. The mean swollen joint count decreased from 4.1 in initial TCZ administration and 2.8 in re-administration at baseline to 0.8 and 0.4 at 2 months, respectively. In all patients, good or moderate responses were achieved at least once within 12 months in both initial TCZ administration and re-administration. CONCLUSION TCZ efficiently ameliorated persistent arthritis in RA, regardless of initial administration and re-administration.
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Mori S, Ueki Y. Outcomes of dose reduction, withdrawal, and restart of tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a prospective observational study. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:3391-3400. [DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04721-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Ogata A, Kato Y, Higa S, Maeda K. Subcutaneous tocilizumab: recent advances for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2019; 16:639-648. [PMID: 31088167 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2019.1618828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Ogata
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NTT West Osaka Hospital, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kato
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NTT West Osaka Hospital, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinji Higa
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NTT West Osaka Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Keiji Maeda
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NTT West Osaka Hospital, Osaka, Japan
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Ogata A, Kato Y, Higa S, Yoshizaki K. IL-6 inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: A comprehensive review. Mod Rheumatol 2019; 29:258-267. [PMID: 30427250 DOI: 10.1080/14397595.2018.1546357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Tocilizumab (TCZ) is an interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitor used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It was developed in 2008, and its effectiveness is supported by evidence from all over the world based on its first decade of use. Although the overall efficacy and safety profiles of TCZ are similar to those of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, TCZ displays certain differences. The most notable advantage of TCZ is its usefulness as a monotherapy. Additionally, TCZ is favorable in the improvement of systemic inflammatory symptoms such as anemia and fatigue. The low immunogenicity of TCZ contributes favorably to long-term drug retention. Due to frequent relapse after TCZ cessation, TCZ use should be tapered beyond remission. During TCZ therapy, C-reactive protein (CRP) is unable to recognize disease activity and the severity of infection. The most common adverse events (AEs) are infection and abnormalities in laboratory findings including dyslipidemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and abnormality of liver enzymes. TCZ obscures the symptoms of infection. Therefore, stealth infections without obvious CRP elevation can sometimes cause severe damage to patients. Lower intestinal perforation is an uncommon but serious AE in TCZ therapy. Further clinical investigations will continue to refine the IL-6 inhibitory strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Ogata
- a Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NTT West Osaka Hospital, Osaka, Japan.,b Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine , Osaka University , Osaka , Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kato
- a Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NTT West Osaka Hospital, Osaka, Japan.,b Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine , Osaka University , Osaka , Japan
| | - Shinji Higa
- a Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, NTT West Osaka Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Yoshizaki
- c Graduate School of Information Science and Technology , Osaka University , Osaka , Japan
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Tornero Molina J, Balsa Criado A, Blanco García F, Blanco Alonso R, Bustabad S, Calvo Alen J, Corominas H, Fernández Nebro A, Román Ivorra JA, Sanmartí R. Expert Recommendations on the Interleukin 6 Blockade in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 16:272-281. [PMID: 30098882 DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To draft recommendations on interleukin 6 (IL-6) blockade in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), based on best evidence and experience. METHODS A group of 10 experts on IL-6 blockade in RA was selected. The 2 coordinators formulated 23 questions about IL-6 blockade (indications, efficacy, safety, etc.). A systematic review was conducted to answer the questions. Using this information, inclusion and exclusion criteria were established, as were the search strategies (Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched). Two different reviewers selected the articles. Evidence tables were created. At the same time, European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology abstracts were evaluated. Based on this evidence, the coordinators proposed preliminary recommendations that the experts discussed and voted on in a nominal group meeting. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were established using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine and the level of agreement with the Delphi technique (2 rounds). Agreement was established if at least 80% of the experts voted yes (yes/no). RESULTS The 8 preliminary recommendations were accepted after the Delphi process. They covered aspects such as the use of these therapies in monotherapy, in combination, in patients with refractory disease or intolerant patients, response evaluation, optimization and risk management. CONCLUSIONS The manuscript aims to solve frequently asked questions and aid in decision making strategies when treating RA patients with IL-6 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Tornero Molina
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de Guadalajara; Departamento de Medicina y Especialidades Médicas, Universidad de Alcalá, España.
| | | | - Francisco Blanco García
- Servicio de Reumatología, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), La Coruña, España
| | - Ricardo Blanco Alonso
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, España
| | - Sagrario Bustabad
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, España
| | - Jaime Calvo Alen
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Araba, Vitoria-Gasteiz, España
| | - Héctor Corominas
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, España
| | - Antonio Fernández Nebro
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, España
| | | | - Raimon Sanmartí
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitari Clínic, Barcelona, España
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Kaneko Y, Kato M, Tanaka Y, Inoo M, Kobayashi-Haraoka H, Amano K, Miyata M, Murakawa Y, Yasuoka H, Hirata S, Tanaka E, Miyasaka N, Yamanaka H, Yamamoto K, Takeuchi T. Tocilizumab discontinuation after attaining remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were treated with tocilizumab alone or in combination with methotrexate: results from a prospective randomised controlled study (the second year of the SURPRISE study). Ann Rheum Dis 2018; 77:1268-1275. [PMID: 29853455 PMCID: PMC6104678 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-213416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the sustained remission and low disease activity after discontinuation of tocilizumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were treated with tocilizumab alone or in combination with methotrexate. Methods The SURPRISE study was a 2-year, open-label randomised controlled study. Among patients who had been randomised to additional tocilizumab (ADD-ON) or switch to tocilizumab (SWITCH) in the first year, those who achieved remission based on the disease activity score for 28 joints (DAS28-ESR<2.6) discontinued tocilizumab at week 52 and were observed for the following 52 weeks. The endpoint of the second year included tocilizumab-free remission and low disease-activity rates, functional outcome, radiological outcomes assessed with the modified total Sharp score (mTSS) and safety. The efficacy of reinstituted tocilizumab/methotrexate was also evaluated. Results A total of 105 patients who achieved remission at week 52 discontinued tocilizumab; 51 in ADD-ON continued methotrexate and 54 in SWITCH received no disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Sustained DAS28 low disease-activity rates were significantly higher in ADD-ON than in SWITCH (55%vs27%, p=0.005). Sustained remission rates at week 104 were 24% for ADD-ON and 14% for SWITCH (p=0.29). Radiological progression was comparable between both groups (mTSS; 0.37vs0.64, p=0.36). The restart of tocilizumab induced remission in all except two patients after 36 weeks, irrespective of concomitant methotrexate. Conclusion Sustained low disease activity after tocilizumab discontinuation could be maintained with continued methotrexate in more than half of the patients. Retreatment with tocilizumab led to remission in more than 90% of patients. Trial registration number NCT01120366; Results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Kaneko
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaru Kato
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | | | | | - Koichi Amano
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Kawagoe, Japan
| | - Masayuki Miyata
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fukushima Red Cross Hospital, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yohko Murakawa
- Department of Rheumatology, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Japan
| | - Hidekara Yasuoka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shintaro Hirata
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Eiichi Tanaka
- Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Miyasaka
- Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hisashi Yamanaka
- Institute of Rheumatology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Yamamoto
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
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Lenert A, Lenert P. Tapering biologics in rheumatoid arthritis: a pragmatic approach for clinical practice. Clin Rheumatol 2016; 36:1-8. [PMID: 27896522 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-016-3490-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Optimal rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy in daily clinical practice is based on the treat-to-target strategy. Quicker escalation of therapy and earlier introduction of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have led to improved outcomes in RA. However, chronic immunosuppressive therapy is associated with adverse events and higher costs. In addition, our patients frequently express a desire for lower dosing and drug holidays. Current clinical practice guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatism suggest that rheumatologists consider tapering treatment after achieving remission. However, the optimal approach for tapering therapy in RA, specifically de-escalation of biologics, remains unknown. This clinical review discusses biologic tapering strategies in RA. We draw our recommendations for everyday clinical practice from the most recent observational, pragmatic, and controlled clinical trials on de-escalation of biologics in RA. For each biologic, we highlight clinically relevant outcomes, such as flare rates, recapture of the disease control with retreatment, radiographic progression, side effects, and functional impact. We discuss the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound to select patients for successful tapering. In conclusion, we provide the reader with a practical guide for tapering biologics in the rheumatology clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Lenert
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky, Kentucky Clinic J507, 740 South Limestone St, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Petar Lenert
- Division of Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa, C428-2GH, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
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Fautrel B, Den Broeder AA. De-intensifying treatment in established rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Why, how, when and in whom can DMARDs be tapered? Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2015; 29:550-65. [PMID: 26697766 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2015.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
As more patients with established rheumatoid arthritis (RA) achieve remission or low disease activity, strategies such as tapering and withdrawal of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are being investigated. In several trials, DMARD discontinuation was associated with a higher risk of relapse, ranging from 56% to 87% at 1 year. Tapering, either by dose reduction or by injection spacing, may limit the risk of relapse. Half-dose etanercept (ETN) versus full-dose continuation was not associated with an increased relapse risk at 1 year in two trials. Progressive antitumor necrosis factor injection spacing was shown to be equivalent to full regimen continuation in terms of persistent flare and disease activity at 18 months in one trial, but not in another one. Reintroduction of a DMARD at previous dose/regimen was usually associated with remission re-induction. The risk of relevant structural damage progression was not increased. Safety improvement has not yet been demonstrated. The annual cost reduction when tapering biologic DMARDs (bDMARDs) was 3500-6000 €/patient. Research questions to be addressed include defining flare that requires reinitiation of treatment, such that patients facilitate the maintenance of remission during tapering by timely communication with their rheumatology team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Fautrel
- Pierre et Marie Curie University - Paris 6, Sorbonne Universités, GRC-08 (EEMOIS), Paris, France; APHP, Rheumatology Department, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, F-75013, Paris, France.
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Kuijper TM, Lamers-Karnebeek FB, Jacobs JW, Hazes JM, Luime JJ. Flare Rate in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Low Disease Activity or Remission When Tapering or Stopping Synthetic or Biologic DMARD: A Systematic Review. J Rheumatol 2015; 42:2012-22. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.141520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective.To evaluate the risk of having a disease flare in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with low disease activity (LDA) or in remission when deescalating (tapering or stopping) disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy.Methods.A search in medical databases including publications from January 1950 to February 2015 was performed. Included were trials and observational studies in adults with RA who were in LDA or remission, evaluating ≥ 20 patients tapering or stopping DMARD. Flare rates had to have been reported. A metaanalysis was performed on studies deescalating tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers.Results.Four studies evaluated synthetic DMARD. Flare rates ranged from 8% at 24 weeks to 63% at 4 months after deescalation. Fifteen studies reported on TNF blockers. Estimated flare rates by metaanalysis on studies tapering or stopping TNF blockers were 0.26 (95% CI 0.17–0.39) and 0.49 (95% CI 0.27–0.73) for good-quality and moderate-quality studies, respectively. Flare rates in 3 studies stopping tocilizumab were 41% after 6 months, 55% at 1 year, and 87% at 1 year. Flare rates in 3 studies deescalating abatacept were 34% at 1 year, 41% at 1 year, and 72% at 6 months. Five studies evaluating radiographic progression in patients deescalating treatment all found limited to no progression.Conclusion.Results suggest that more than one-third of patients with RA with LDA or in remission may taper or stop DMARD treatment without experiencing a disease flare within the first year. Dose reduction of TNF blockers results in lower flare rates than stopping and may be noninferior to continuing full dose. Radiological progression after treatment deescalation remains low, but may increase slightly.
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Siebert S, Tsoukas A, Robertson J, McInnes I. Cytokines as Therapeutic Targets in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Diseases. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:280-309. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.114.009639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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Besada E. Potential patient benefit of a subcutaneous formulation of tocilizumab for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a critical review. Patient Prefer Adherence 2014; 8:1051-9. [PMID: 25120354 PMCID: PMC4128846 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s34958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was revolutionized during the last decade with the development of new biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) enabling the targeting of immune cells and cytokines other than tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Subcutaneous formulations of the newer biologic DMARDs facilitate not only patients' emancipation from the hospital, but reduce both societal and medical costs. Intravenous tocilizumab (TCZ) in RA has an efficacy and safety profile similar to anti-TNF in both the short and long-term. However, TCZ can be administered in monotherapy without loss of efficacy when patients do not tolerate methotrexate or synthetic DMARDs. TCZ is consistently found superior to methotrexate and possibly superior to adalimumab in monotherapy in randomized controlled trials. Subcutaneous administration of TCZ is as effective and safe as its intravenous administration in RA patients during the first year of treatment. Similar to intravenous TCZ, patients' weight and possibly previous use of anti-TNF influence the efficacy of subcutaneous TCZ. Additionally, combination with synthetic DMARDs seems to expose RA patients to more adverse events independently of its administration route. Pharmacokinetics of different administration routes could potentially lead to differences in efficacy, adverse events, and auto-immunogenicity. The concentration of free TCZ before new TCZ dose (C trough) is higher in the subcutaneous route, while the maximal concentration of free TCZ is higher in the intravenous route. The subcutaneous dosages of TCZ 162 mg every week, and every 2 weeks in RA patients with low body weight (<60 kg) work well. Nevertheless, dosage and intervals of subcutaneous TCZ administration could be adjusted during the course of treatment since 80% of non-Japanese RA patients with usually higher body weight achieved similar efficacy with the low TCZ dosage in combination with a synthetic DMARD. Patients want effective, easy-to-administer therapy with sustained prolonged efficacy without the need of polypharmacy and with minimal to no side effects. Subcutaneous TCZ in RA patients in monotherapy seems to live up to patients' expectations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Besada
- Bone and Joint Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Correspondence: Emilio Besada, Bone and Joint Research Group, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway, Tel +47 7762 7294, Fax +47 7762 7258, Email
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