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Bucci L, Hagen M, Rothe T, Raimondo MG, Fagni F, Tur C, Wirsching A, Wacker J, Wilhelm A, Auger JP, Pachowsky M, Eckstein M, Alivernini S, Zoli A, Krönke G, Uderhardt S, Bozec A, D'Agostino MA, Schett G, Grieshaber-Bouyer R. Bispecific T cell engager therapy for refractory rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Med 2024:10.1038/s41591-024-02964-1. [PMID: 38671240 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-02964-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Bispecific T cell engagers (BiTEs) kill B cells by engaging T cells. BiTEs are highly effective in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Here we treated six patients with multidrug-resistant rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with the CD19xCD3 BiTE blinatumomab under compassionate use. Low doses of blinatumomab led to B cell depletion and concomitant decrease of T cells, documenting their engager function. Treatment was safe, with brief increase in body temperature and acute phase proteins during first infusion but no signs of clinically relevant cytokine-release syndrome. Blinatumomab led to a rapid decline in RA clinical disease activity in all patients, improved synovitis in ultrasound and FAPI-PET-CT and reduced autoantibodies. High-dimensional flow cytometry analysis of B cells documented an immune reset with depletion of activated memory B cells, which were replaced by nonclass-switched IgD-positive naïve B cells. Together, these data suggest the feasibility and potential for BiTEs to treat RA. This approach warrants further exploration on other B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bucci
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Melanie Hagen
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Rothe
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Gabriella Raimondo
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Filippo Fagni
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carlo Tur
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli, IRCSS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Andreas Wirsching
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jochen Wacker
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Artur Wilhelm
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology, Charite, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jean-Philippe Auger
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Milena Pachowsky
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Eckstein
- Department of Pathology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefano Alivernini
- Department of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli, IRCSS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Zoli
- Department of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli, IRCSS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Gerhard Krönke
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology, Charite, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan Uderhardt
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aline Bozec
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria-Antonietta D'Agostino
- Department of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli, IRCSS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
- Department of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli, IRCSS, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ricardo Grieshaber-Bouyer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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Wemlinger SM, Cambier JC. Therapeutic tactics for targeting B lymphocytes in autoimmunity and cancer. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2249947. [PMID: 37816494 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202249947] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
B lymphocytes have become a very popular therapeutic target in a number of autoimmune indications due to their newly appreciated roles, and approachability, in these diseases. Many of the therapies now applied in autoimmunity were initially developed to deplete malignant B cells. These strategies have also been found to benefit patients suffering from such autoimmune diseases as multiple sclerosis, type I diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, and rheumatoid arthritis, to name a few. These observations have supported the expansion of research addressing the mechanistic contributions of B cells in these diseases, as well as blossoming of therapeutics that target them. This review seeks to summarize cutting-edge modalities for targeting B cells, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, and small molecule inhibitors. Efforts to refine B-cell targeted therapy to eliminate only pathogenic autoreactive cells will be addressed as well as the potential for future B-cell-based cellular therapeutics. Finally, we also address approaches that seek to silence B-cell function without depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Wemlinger
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - John C Cambier
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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Taylan A. Rituximab therapy in pericarditis associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2022; 42:1843-1847. [PMID: 34988646 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-021-05080-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In rheumatoid arthritis, pericarditis is commonly asymptomatic, but rarely, it progresses to a morbid complication, like cardiac tamponade or restrictive pericarditis. Current studies have indicated that conventional drugs have limited ability to reverse these lethal conditions. To date, invasive surgical measures remain the only definitive therapy for patients who are unresponsive to drugs. Recently, anti-tumor necrosis factor-α and anti-interleukin-1 antibody-based drugs have shown limited success. Consequently, given the importance of pericarditis, we need new treatment methods. Here, we describe a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and effusive pericarditis, which progressed to life-threatening cardiac tamponade. The patient responded very well to rituximab. Thus, rituximab represents a potential new therapy for this rarely treated complication of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Taylan
- Department of Rheumatology, Saglik Bilimleri University, Tepecik Teaching and Research Hospital, Izmir, Rheumatology Section, Yenisehir, Turkey.
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Chaplin H, Carpenter L, Raz A, Nikiphorou E, Lempp H, Norton S. Summarizing current refractory disease definitions in rheumatoid arthritis and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis: systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:3540-3552. [PMID: 33710321 PMCID: PMC8328502 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify how refractory disease (or relevant terminology variations) in RA and polyarticular JIA (polyJIA) is defined and establish the key components of such definitions. METHODS Searches were undertaken of English-language articles within six medical databases, including manual searching, from January 1998 to March 2020 (PROSPERO: CRD42019127142). Articles were included if they incorporated a definition of refractory disease, or non-response, in RA/polyJIA, with clear components to the description. Qualitative content analysis was undertaken to describe refractory disease in RA/polyJIA and classify each component within each definition. RESULTS Of 6251 studies screened, 646 met the inclusion criteria; 581 of these applied non-response criteria while 65 provided refractory disease definitions/descriptions. From the non-response studies, 39 different components included various disease activity measures, emphasizing persistent disease activity and symptoms, despite treatment with one or more biologic DMARD (bDMARD). From papers with clear definitions for refractory disease, 41 components were identified and categorized into three key themes: resistance to multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action, typically two or more bDMARDs; persistence of symptoms and disease activity; and other contributing factors. The most common term used was 'refractory' (80%), while only 16.9% reported explicitly how their definition was generated (e.g. clinical experience or statistical methods). CONCLUSION Refractory disease is defined as resistance to multiple drugs with different mechanisms of action by persistence of physical symptoms and high disease activity, including contributing factors. A clear unifying definition needs implementing, as the plethora of different definitions makes study comparisons and appropriate identification of patients difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hema Chaplin
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Lewis Carpenter
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Anni Raz
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Elena Nikiphorou
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Heidi Lempp
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Sam Norton
- Health Psychology Section, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
- Centre for Rheumatic Diseases, King’s College London, London, UK
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Tavakolpour S, Alesaeidi S, Darvishi M, GhasemiAdl M, Darabi-Monadi S, Akhlaghdoust M, Elikaei Behjati S, Jafarieh A. A comprehensive review of rituximab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Clin Rheumatol 2019; 38:2977-2994. [PMID: 31367943 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-019-04699-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Rituximab (RTX) is an approved treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients that do not respond adequately to disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. However, different new concerns, such as efficacy, optimum dose, safety issues, prediction of response to RTX, and pregnancy outcomes have attracted a lot of attention. The PubMed database was systematically reviewed for the last published articles, new findings, and controversial issues regarding RTX therapy in RA using "Rheumatoid arthritis" AND "rituximab" keywords, last updated on June 18, 2019. From 1812 initial recorders, 162 studies met the criteria. Regarding the optimum dose, low-dose RTX therapy (2 × 500 mg) seems as effective as standard dose (2 × 1000 mg), safer, and more cost-effective. The most common reported safety challenges included de novo infections, false negative serologic tests of viral infections, reactivation of chronic infections, interfering with vaccination outcome, and development of de novo psoriasis. Other less reported side effects are infusion reactions, nervous system disorders, and gastrointestinal disorders. Lower exposure to other biologics, presence of some serological markers (e.g., anti-RF, anti-CCP, IL-33, ESR), specific variations in FCGR3A, FCGR2A, TGFβ1, IL6, IRF5, BAFF genes, and also EBV-positivity could be used to predict response to RTX. Although there is no evidence of the teratogenic effect of RTX, it is recommended that women do not expose themselves to RTX at least 6 months before the conception. Only a reversible reduction of B cell-count in the offspring may be the pregnancy-related outcome. Although RTX is an effective therapeutic option for RA, more studies on optimum doses, prevention of RTX-related side effects, prediction of RTX response, and safety during the pregnancy are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soheil Tavakolpour
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Samira Alesaeidi
- Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Darvishi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), department of aerospace and subaquatic medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba GhasemiAdl
- Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Meisam Akhlaghdoust
- Pars Advanced and Minimally Invasive Medical Manners Research Center, Pars Hospital, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Arash Jafarieh
- Amir'Alam Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Risk of Tuberculosis Reactivation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Psoriatic Arthritis Receiving Non-Anti-TNF-Targeted Biologics. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:8909834. [PMID: 28659665 PMCID: PMC5474286 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8909834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB) still represents an important issue for public health in underdeveloped countries, but the use of antitumor necrosis factor agents (anti-TNF) for the treatment of inflammatory rheumatic disorders has reopened the problem also in countries with low TB incidence, due to the increased risk of TB reactivation in subjects with latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Over the last 5 years, several non-anti-TNF-targeted biologics have been licensed for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. We reviewed the epidemiology of TB, the role of different cytokines and of the immune system cells involved in the immune response against TB infection, the methods to detect LTBI, and the risk of TB reactivation in patients exposed to non-anti-TNF-targeted biologics. Given the limited role exerted by the cytokines different from TNF, as expected, data from controlled trials, national registries of biologics, and postmarketing surveillance show that the risk of TB reactivation in patients receiving non-anti-TNF-targeted biologics is negligible, hence raising the question whether the screening procedures for LTBI would be necessary.
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Anand V, Garg SK, Lopez-Olivo MA, Singh JA. Ofatumumab for rheumatoid arthritis. Hippokratia 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vidhu Anand
- University of Minnesota; Department of Surgery; 515 Delaware Street 11-196 Moos Tower Minneapolis MN USA 55455
| | - Sushil K Garg
- University of Minnesota; Department of Surgery; 515 Delaware Street 11-196 Moos Tower Minneapolis MN USA 55455
| | - Maria Angeles Lopez-Olivo
- The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center; Department of General Internal Medicine; 1515 Holcombe Blvd Unit 1465 Houston Texas USA 77030
| | - Jasvinder A Singh
- Birmingham VA Medical Center; Department of Medicine; Faculty Office Tower 805B 510 20th Street South Birmingham USA AL 35294
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Leon L, Jover JA, Loza E, Zunzunegui MV, Lajas C, Vadillo C, Fontsere O, Rodriguez-Rodriguez L, Martinez C, Fernandez-Gutierrez B, Abasolo L. Health-related quality of life as a main determinant of access to rheumatologic care. Rheumatol Int 2013; 33:1797-804. [PMID: 23306593 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-012-2599-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
To evaluate a rheumatology outpatient consultation access system for new patients. New patients seen from April 2005 to April 2006 at our rheumatology clinic (n = 4,460) were included and classified according to their appointment type: ordinary appointments (OA) to be seen within 30 days, urgent appointments (UA) and work disability appointments (WDA) to be seen within 3 days. Age, sex, diagnosis, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as determined by the Rosser Index were recorded. Logistic regression models were run to identify factors that contribute to each type of appointment. OA was the method of access for 1,938 new patients, while 1,194 and 1,328 patients were seen through WDA and UA appointments, respectively. Younger male patients, and those with microcrystalline arthritis, sciatica, shoulder, back, or neck pain, were more likely to use the faster access systems (UA or WDA), whereas patients with a degenerative disease were mainly seen through OA (<0.001). Subjects with poor (3.96; 95 % CI, 2.8-5.5) or very poor HRQoL (70.8; 95 % CI, 14.9-334) were strongly associated to visiting a rheumatologist through the WDA or UA access systems, respectively, compared to OA. Age, gender, diagnosis, and mainly health-related quality of life are associated with the referral pattern of access to rheumatologic outpatient care. Among new patients subjects with the worst HRQoL were more likely to access with faster methods (UA or WDA) than those with better HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Leon
- Rheumatology Unit, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Calle Profesor Martin Lagos S/N, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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Rheumatoid factor as predictor of response to abatacept, rituximab and tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2013; 43:9-17. [PMID: 23290690 DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2012.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify if rheumatoid factor (RF) is predictor of response to rituximab (RTX), abatacept (ABT), and tocilizumab (TCZ) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials and observational studies based on a sensitive search. Meta-regression was used to explore causes of heterogeneity. Unpublished data of clinical trials provided by the authors were also included. RESULTS The electronic search captured 3221 references and 422 meeting abstracts. By hand search, four additional articles were also identified. A total of 23 studies meet the purpose of the study and were included in the review. RF positivity at starting predicts better ACR20 [OR, 1.95 (1.24, 3.08)], ACR50 [OR, 5.38 (2.50, 11.60)] and EULAR response [OR, 3.52 (1.66, 7.45)] in 14 studies with RTX, and better ACR20 [OR, 1.51 (1.21, 1.90)] in 6 studies with TCZ. In 3 studies with ABT, no association was found between response and RF [OR 1.36 (0.97, 1.90)]. No asymmetries in the funnel plots or significant variables were found in the meta-regression. CONCLUSION In RA, RF positivity predicts better response to RTX and TCZ but not to ABT.
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Soliman MM, Hyrich KL, Lunt M, Watson KD, Symmons DPM, Ashcroft DM. Effectiveness of rituximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: observational study from the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register. J Rheumatol 2011; 39:240-6. [PMID: 22174201 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.110610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of rituximab (RTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in routine clinical practice, and to identify predictors of 6-month response to RTX in patients for whom at least 1 anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF) therapy has failed. METHOD The analysis involved 646 patients with RA registered with the British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register (BSRBR) who were starting RTX and were followed for at least 6 months. Change in the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response, and proportions of patients achieving disease remission were used to assess the clinical response 6 months after starting RTX. Regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with the response in the patients for whom anti-TNF therapy had not worked. The models included baseline demographics, disease characteristics, baseline Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and drug history including biologic history. RESULTS The mean DAS28 at baseline was 6.2 (95% CI 6.1, 6.3), which decreased significantly to 4.8 (95% CI 4.7, 4.9) at the 6-month followup. Seventeen percent of the patients were EULAR good responders and 43% were moderate responders. Eight percent of the patients achieved disease remission. Subjects with higher baseline DAS28 score and those with positive rheumatoid factor (RF) status were significantly associated with a decrease in their DAS28 score (improvement), while women and patients with higher baseline HAQ score were less likely to improve. CONCLUSION RTX has proven to be effective in routine clinical practice. When anti-TNF therapy fails, response to RTX was influenced by baseline DAS28 score, RF status, baseline HAQ score, and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moetaza M Soliman
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Solau-Gervais E, Prudhomme C, Philippe P, Duhamel A, Dupont-Créteur C, Legrand JL, Houvenagel E, Flipo RM. Efficacy of rituximab in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Influence of serologic status, coprescription of methotrexate and prior TNF-alpha inhibitors exposure. Joint Bone Spine 2011; 79:281-4. [PMID: 21724444 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 05/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rituximab has been shown to be efficient in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) when associated with methotrexate (MTX). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the response to this treatment in daily practice in the following three specific situations: rheumatoid factor (RF)-negative RA patients, rituximab monotherapy patients and TNFα inhibitors-naive patients. METHODS This retrospective observational study is an exploratory analysis of the response to rituximab. One thousand milligrams (1000 mg) of rituximab was administered twice at an interval of 15 days. Therapeutic response was determined at mean 20 weeks after the infusion on the basis of DAS28 scores and EULAR response criteria. RESULTS One hundred and eight patients were included in the study and the responses of 95 of these were evaluated. Of the latter, 75% were EULAR responders. There was no significant difference in EULAR response between patients treated with rituximab and MTX (73.8%) and those who had received rituximab alone (79.3%). Similarly, there was no difference in the number of EULAR responders between patients who had received TNF inhibitor beforehand (74.1%) and those who had not (78.6%). However, interval to retreatment was significantly shorter in TNF inhibitor-naive patients. Lastly, a significant difference (P=0.02) in EULAR response rate was observed between RF-positive patients (84.8%) and RF-negative patients (57.9%). Interval to retreatment was also significantly shorter in RF-negative patients. CONCLUSION In our experience, while our RTX efficacy findings appear to be consistent with the results of comparable controlled trials, whether or not in association with MTX, or with prior administration of one or several TNF inhibitors, RF-positive RA patients exhibited a higher EULAR response rate than RF-negative RA patients.
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Kharfan-Dabaja MA, Bazarbachi A. Emerging role of CD20 blockade in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2010; 16:1347-54. [PMID: 20083213 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2010.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence incriminating B lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Better understanding of the role of B lymphocytes has uncovered new therapeutic approaches, such as CD20 blockade, which appear to be improving outcomes in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant recipients. Administration of the chimeric murine/human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab, prior to hematopoietic cell allografting or as part of preparative regimens appears to reduce treatment-related mortality and to improve posttransplant outcomes mainly by decreasing the incidence and severity of acute GVHD. This beneficial effect of rituximab has not had an impact, to the same extent on the incidence of chronic GVHD, which remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following hematopoietic cell allografting. Alternatively, rituximab has been shown to be effective for treatment of cGVHD, but data is limited because of the lack of randomized controlled clinical trials and the small sample size in most of the published series. Incorporation of rituximab into the therapeutic armamentarium of Epstein-Barr virus-associated posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder has clearly improved the overall prognosis of this dreadful disease. This review highlights the evolving role of CD20 blockade in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and the need to continue to refine B cell depletion strategies in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Kharfan-Dabaja
- Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
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Renato GM. B cell depletion in early rheumatoid arthritis: a new concept in therapeutics. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1173:729-35. [PMID: 19758222 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04626.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis is a severe, aggressive, and debilitating disease that has a high mortality rate. There have been considerable advances in the last few years as a result of developments in molecular biology, immunology, and biotechnology. The knowledge about the elements that directly participate in the genesis of the disease has been established. Nowadays, treatments are more rational and are directed to specific targets. Anticytokine agents, especially therapies that target tumor necrosis factor (TNF), are considered to be frontline biological agents for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The blocking of lymphocyte B with rituximab, a genetically engineered chimerical monoclonal antibody, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have severe disease not responding to conventional multiple therapies and to TNF-blocker agents. We propose that patients with severe aggressive rheumatoid arthritis could benefit from rituximab without previous exposure to anti-TNF agents as a biological agent, and we postulate that rituximab could be used as a first-line biological agent in this subgroup. We present our recent experience with patients having severe and active rheumatoid disease with whom we used rituximab as a first-line biological agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guzman M Renato
- Internal Medicine Departament, Saludcoop Clinic 104, Bogota, Columbia.
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Valleala H, Korpela M, Möttönen T, Hienonen-Kempas T, Kauppi M, Hannonen P, Leirisalo-Repo M. Rituximab therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory or with contraindication to anti-tumour necrosis factor drugs: real-life experience in Finnish patients. Scand J Rheumatol 2009; 38:323-7. [DOI: 10.1080/03009740902946355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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15
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Guzman Moreno R. B-cell depletion in autoimmune diseases. Advances in autoimmunity. Autoimmun Rev 2009; 8:585-90. [PMID: 19393204 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2009.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2009] [Accepted: 02/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
B cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of the autoimmune diseases. New advances in biological therapy provided a correct way in the management of these pathologies. Depletion of B cells with monoclonal antibodies reach an important place in the control of the diseases. I will present our experience with rituximab in the treatment of 131 patients with different autoimmune conditions, and conclude that this kind of therapy is safe, effective and constitutes a big step in the control of the majority of patients in which humoral response were aberrant. It is one of the many avenues that will allow to have a better future in the assessment and treatment of autoimmune diseases.
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16
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Stoll ML, Gotte AC. Biological therapies for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: Lessons from the adult and pediatric experiences. Biologics 2008; 2:229-52. [PMID: 19707357 PMCID: PMC2721362 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s2210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Biologics have advanced the therapy of adult and pediatric arthritis. They have been linked to rare serious adverse outcomes, but the actual risk of these events is controversial in adults, and largely unknown in pediatrics. Because of the paucity of safety and efficacy data in children, pediatric rheumatologists often rely on the adult literature. Herein, we reviewed the adult and pediatric literature on five classes of medicines: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, anakinra, rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab. For efficacy, we reviewed randomized controlled studies in adults, but did include lesser qualities of evidence for pediatrics. For safety, we utilized prospective and retrospective studies, rarely including reports from other inflammatory conditions. The review included studies on rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis, as well as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Overall, we found that the TNF inhibitors have generally been found safe and effective in adult and pediatric use, although risks of infections and other adverse events are discussed. Anakinra, rituximab, abatacept, and tocilizumab have also shown positive results in adult trials, but there is minimal pediatric data published with the exception of small studies involving the subgroup of children with systemic onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis, in whom anakinra and tocilizumab may be effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Stoll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Alisa C Gotte
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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