Temporal outcomes after rituximab therapy for pemphigus vulgaris

Pemphigus vulgaris is an autoimmune blistering disease characterized by autoantibodies that target desmoglein adhesion proteins. Rituximab and corticosteroids are FDA-approved therapies for pemphigus vulgaris. As newer treatments for pemphigus enter clinical trials, analysis of clinical and serologic outcomes after rituximab therapy as a function of time is essential to guide clinical trial design. Here, we report detailed temporal and serological outcomes of rituximab treatment of pemphigus vulgaris. The maximal prevalence of complete remission off oral systemic therapy after a single cycle of rituximab was 32.4% at 12 months, or 43.1% by 36 months including additional rituximab cycles. Using receiver operating characteristic curves to develop prediction models for complete remission after a single cycle of rituximab, >90.7% reduction in average desmoglein 3 ELISA titers from baseline to months 3-9 was 94% sensitive, and an average absolute titer ≤130 RU/mL between months 3-9 was 96% specific, for achievement of complete remission off oral systemic therapy. All patients with negative titers at 6-9 months ultimately achieved complete remission off oral systemic therapy. This dataset of clinical and serological outcomes for pemphigus vulgaris patients after rituximab therapy will facilitate clinical trial planning and also guide clinician and patient expectations after rituximab therapy.

Factors Associated With Complete Remission After Rituximab Therapy for Pemphigus

Importance

Rituximab has emerged as a front-line therapy for pemphigus, but prognostic factors for achieving complete remission off therapy (CROT) with oral systemic agents remain unknown.

Objectives

To describe rates of CROT and relapse and identify prognostic factors for achieving CROT after rituximab therapy for pemphigus.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A single-center, retrospective, cohort study was conducted at the University of Pennsylvania including 112 patients with pemphigus treated with rituximab with at least 12 months' clinical follow-up after the start of rituximab therapy. Multivariate regression analysis of factors predictive of CROT and Kaplan-Meier analysis of disease relapse were conducted. The study included patients treated with rituximab from March 15, 2005, until December 19, 2016. Data analysis was performed from December 2017 to June 2018.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary study outcome was CROT after 1 cycle. Secondary study outcomes included rate of CROT or the composite end point of CROT or complete remission on minimal therapy after 1 or more cycle, and median time to relapse. Multivariate regression analysis for prognostic variables for CROT, including age, sex, pemphigus subtype, body mass index (BMI) (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), disease duration, and dosing regimen, was performed.

Results

A total of 112 patients with pemphigus with median 37.8 months (range, 12.1-130.7) follow-up after rituximab therapy were identified. Of these, 65 were women (58.0%). At the time of first rituximab infusion, median age was 52.3 years (range, 20.0-89.3). Including patients who received multiple cycles of rituximab, 79 patients (70.5%) achieved CROT after a median time of 10.5 months (range, 2.0-49.8), and 36 of 72 patients (50.0%) subsequently experienced relapse after a median of 23.3 months (interquartile range, 10.8-50.4 months). Considering only the first cycle of rituximab, 54 patients (48.2%) achieved CROT. Controlling for age, sex, pemphigus subtype, BMI, and disease duration, patients who received lymphoma vs rheumatoid arthritis dosing were 2.70-fold more likely to achieve CROT (odds ratio [OR], 2.70; 95% CI, 1.03-7.12; P = .04). Increasing age was associated with significant increases in achieving CROT (Wald test for trend, P = .01), whereas BMI greater than or equal to 35 was associated with a 0.14 OR (95% CI, 0.03-0.63; P = .01) for achieving CROT, regardless of the dosing regimen. In multivariate analysis, there was no significant difference in CROT rates with sex (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.42-2.50; P = .97), pemphigus subtype (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.09-1.51; P = .17), or disease duration (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00; P = .09).

Conclusions and Relevance

Lymphoma dosing and older age may be associated with CROT and BMI greater than or equal to 35 may be a negative prognostic factor for CROT after rituximab therapy for pemphigus. These findings help inform clinical expectations and merit evaluation in future prospective clinical trials.

Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Patients With a Negative Antinuclear Antibody Meeting the American College of Rheumatology and/or Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Criteria for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

OBJECTIVE

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a disorder that is heterogeneous and can be difficult to diagnose. One hallmark of the disease is the presence of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), a feature that has been incorporated into multiple classification criteria over the years. In this study, we used a database of patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) to determine how many had a negative ANA and met criteria for SLE using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and/or Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria.

METHODS

We used a database of 301 biopsy-proven CLE patients that contained information including ANA status and the presence of features of SLE. The database was searched for patients who had a negative ANA result and whether or not they met SLE criteria using the ACR and/or SLICC criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 301 patients with biopsy-proven CLE and a known ANA, 111 had a negative ANA test (36.9%) and 27 had an ANA test that fluctuated (33.3%). In all, 20 ANA-negative patients met SLE criteria (18.0%), and 12 patients with a fluctuating ANA test met SLE criteria (44.4%). Of all patients who had either a negative or fluctuating ANA result and who met criteria for SLE (n = 32), 27 patients had involvement of ≥1 organ system other than skin (84.4%), and 13 patients had involvement of ≥2 organ systems other than skin (40.6%).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that an ANA is not always present in patients with systemic disease. This fact should be taken into consideration when devising SLE classification criteria to be used for clinical trials.

Assessing the Correlation Between Disease Severity Indices and Quality of Life Measurement Tools in Pemphigus

Pemphigus, an autoimmune blistering disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes, adversely impacts patients' quality of life (QOL). While there are various QOL measurement tools that can be used in this disease, few studies have assessed how a patient's change in disease severity can affect their QOL. This study aims to identify which disease severity index correlates best with the change in QOL. Fifty pemphigus patients completed QOL surveys with disease severity scored over two visits. QOL was assessed with the Autoimmune Bullous Disease Quality of Life (ABQOL), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Skindex-29, and Short Form Survey 36 (SF-36). Disease severity was scored with the Pemphigus Disease Area Index (PDAI) and Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS). Correlations between the change in QOL scores and change in disease severity were analyzed using Spearman's coefficient (r). The change in PDAI showed a strong correlation (r = 0.60–0.79) with changes in the ABQOL, Skindex-29 symptoms (Skindex-S), and Skindex-29 functioning (Skindex-F) subscales for all patients (n = 50). For patients with mucosal disease (n = 24), the change in PDAI showed a strong correlation with changes in the ABQOL and Skindex-S subscale. For patients without mucosal disease, the change in PDAI showed a strong correlation with the Skindex-S. The change in ABSIS showed a strong correlation with Skindex-S for all patients and patients with no mucosal involvement, but showed no strong correlations for patients with mucosal involvement. The changes in PDAI always had a stronger correlation than the changes in ABSIS scores to changes in the ABQOL, DLQI, and Skindex-29 subscales, except where the PDAI and ABSIS scores were about the same for the Skindex-S subscale in patients with no mucosal involvement (r = 0.76 and r = 0.77, respectively). PDAI is superior to ABSIS in its correlation with validated QOL tools. The QOL tools that appear to be of most use in clinical trials and patient management are the Skindex-S and ABQOL.

Developing classification criteria for skin-predominant dermatomyositis: the Delphi process

BACKGROUND

The European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for inflammatory myopathies are able to classify patients with skin-predominant dermatomyositis (DM). However, approximately 25% of patients with skin-predominant DM do not meet two of the three hallmark skin signs and fail to meet the criteria.

OBJECTIVES

To develop a set of skin-focused classification criteria that will distinguish cutaneous DM from mimickers and allow a more inclusive definition of skin-predominant disease.

METHODS

An extensive literature review was done to generate items for the Delphi process. Items were grouped into categories of distribution, morphology, symptoms, antibodies, histology and contextual factors. Using REDCap™, participants rated these items in terms of appropriateness and distinguishing ability from mimickers. The relevance score ranged from 1 to 100, and the median score determined a rank-ordered list. A prespecified median score cut-off was decided by the steering committee and the participants. There was a pre-Delphi and two rounds of actual Delphi.

RESULTS

There were 50 participating dermatologists and rheumatologists from North America, South America, Europe and Asia. After a cut-off score of 70 during the first round, 37 of the initial 54 items were retained and carried over to the next round. The cut-off was raised to 80 during round two and a list of 25 items was generated.

CONCLUSIONS

This project is a key step in the development of prospectively validated classification criteria that will create a more inclusive population of patients with DM for clinical research. What's already known about this topic? Proper classification of patients with skin-predominant dermatomyositis (DM) is indispensable in the appropriate conduct of clinical/translational research in the field. The only validated European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology criteria for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies are able to classify skin-predominant DM. However, a quarter of amyopathic patients still fail the criteria and does not meet the disease classification. What does this study add? A list of 25 potential criteria divided into categories of distribution, morphology, symptomatology, pathology and contextual factors has been generated after several rounds of consensus exercise among experts in the field of DM. This Delphi project is a prerequisite to the development of a validated classification criteria set for skin-predominant DM.

The diagnosis and classification of amyopathic dermatomyositis: a historical review and assessment of existing criteria

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic criteria are used to identify a patient having a disease in a clinical setting, whereas classification criteria create a well-defined population for research purposes. The diagnosis and classification of amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM) have not been recognized by most existing criteria for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). To address this, several criteria were proposed to define ADM either as a distinct disease entity or as a subset of the spectrum of IIMs.

OBJECTIVES

To discuss the diagnosis and classification of ADM and to assesses the available criteria in identifying cases of ADM and/or distinguishing it from dermatological mimickers such as lupus erythematosus.

METHODS

We conducted an extensive literature search using the PubMed database from June 2016 to August 2018, using the search terms 'amyopathic dermatomyositis', 'diagnosis' and 'classification'.

RESULTS

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, which are the only validated classification criteria for adult and juvenile IIM and their major subgroups, include three cutaneous items (Göttron sign, Göttron papules, heliotrope rash) to be able to classify ADM. This international and multispecialty effort is a huge step forward in the classification of skin-predominant disease in dermatomyositis. However, about 25% of the population with ADM do not meet two out of the three skin features and are misdiagnosed or classified as having a different disease entity, most commonly lupus erythematosus.

CONCLUSIONS

These gaps rationalize the continuous assessment and improvement of existing criteria and/or the development of validated, separate and skin-focused criteria for DM.

Fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune skin diseases

BACKGROUND

Fatigue is a well-established symptom in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but has not been well characterized in other skin-limited autoimmune diseases such as cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), amyopathic dermatomyositis (ADM) or autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBD).

OBJECTIVES

In this retrospective study, we compared fatigue in controls (n = 84) with that in patients enrolled in prospective longitudinal databases with SLE (n = 165), CLE (n = 226), ADM (n = 136) and AIBD (n = 79).

METHODS

We used the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) vitality scale to analyse median scores and the percentages of patients with clinically significant fatigue (defined as a score ≤ 35) between experimental groups and controls.

RESULTS

Median and interquartile range (IQR) vitality scores demonstrated greater fatigue in the experimental groups (SLE 35, IQR 20-55; CLE 50, IQR 30-70; ADM 50, IQR 30-65; AIBD 55, IQR 35-70) than in controls (73, IQR 65-85) (P < 0·05 for each experimental group vs. control). The SLE group had worse fatigue than all of the other groups (P < 0·05 SLE vs. each group), but there was no difference between the CLE, ADM or AIBD groups (all P > 0·05). In addition, the experimental groups had more clinically significant fatigue (score ≤ 35) (SLE 44·2%, CLE 25·2%, ADM 31·6%, AIBD 24·1%) than controls (2%) (P < 0·01 for each experimental group vs. control). The SLE group had more clinically significant fatigue than the CLE group (P < 0·01); however, there was no difference in clinically significant fatigue between SLE and either ADM (P = 0·17) or AIBD (P = 0·055).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that patients with skin-limited autoimmune disease experience more fatigue than controls. Fatigue is an important symptom that negatively affects quality of life for patients. It should be addressed by clinicians and measured in future clinical trials.

Evaluation of the reliability and validity of the Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) in paediatric cutaneous lupus among paediatric dermatologists and rheumatologists

BACKGROUND

The Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) is a reliable outcome measure for cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) in adults used in clinical trials. However, it has not been validated in children, limiting clinical trials for paediatric CLE.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to validate the CLASI in paediatrics.

METHODS

Eleven paediatric patients with CLE, six dermatologists and six rheumatologists participated. The physicians were trained to use the CLASI and Physician's Global Assessment (PGA), and individually rated all patients using both tools. Each physician reassessed two randomly selected patients. Within each physician group, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess the reliability of each measure.

RESULTS

CLASI activity scores demonstrated excellent inter- and intrarater reliability (ICC > 0·90), while the PGA activity scores had good inter-rater reliability (ICC 0·73-0·77) among both specialties. PGA activity scores showed excellent (ICC 0·89) and good intrarater reliability (ICC 0·76) for dermatologists and rheumatologists, respectively. Limitations of this study include the small sample size of patients and potential recall bias during the physician rerating session.

CONCLUSIONS

CLASI activity measurement showed excellent inter- and intrarater reliability in paediatric CLE and superiority over the PGA. These results demonstrate that the CLASI is a reliable and valid outcome instrument for paediatric CLE.

Treatment of Autoimmune Bullous Disorders in Pregnancy

Autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD), including pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, mucous membrane pemphigoid, and pemphigoid gestationis, pose significant therapeutic challenges, especially in pregnant and post-partum breastfeeding patients or those planning to conceive. Data on the safety and efficacy of therapeutic interventions during the perinatal period are lacking because randomized controlled trials are typically not performed in this setting. However, many of the treatments for AIBD are also used in other diseases, so data can be extrapolated from studies or case reports in these other patient populations. It appears that many of the treatments for AIBD can adversely affect the fetus or neonate, and alterations in immune status caused by pregnancy-associated hormonal changes can negatively impact disease control. This article summarizes and weighs the risks and benefits of the various agents used to treat AIBD during pregnancy. We also present the available information on lactation as well as effects on male fertility.

Long-term risk of second malignancies in women after breast conservation therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ or early-stage breast cancer

PURPOSE

Women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or early-stage breast cancer have an excellent prognosis, but their risk of developing second malignant neoplasms (SMNs) is not well established. We analyzed SMNs in a large cohort with long follow-up after breast conservation therapy.

METHODS

The study population comprised 755 women with DCIS (n = 135) or stage I-II breast carcinoma (n = 620). Subjects were aged 25-89 (median 55) years when they underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by radiotherapy to the entire breast (60-68Gray) between 1992 and 2001. Additional treatment included hormonal therapy and/or chemotherapy based on clinical characteristics. SMNs were grouped by site. The rate of SMNs over time was determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. To compare the probability of developing SMNs overall and for specific organs or sites, probability estimates were obtained for a 55-year-old female from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER).

RESULTS

Median follow-up from radiotherapy was 13.8 years. The 15-year age-adjusted probability of developing any SMN was 12.0%, close to the SEER rate of 12.1% for a non-breast malignancy. Systemic therapy and higher-dose radiotherapy (> 63 Gray) were not associated with significantly increased risks of SMNs. Compared to SEER, significantly increased risk was noted for gynecologic cancers and melanoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Most SMNs were unrelated to treatment, and the 15-year incidence was similar to that of cancer in the SEER control group-findings that should be reassuring to patients. Further risk reduction is expected from prophylactic gynecologic surgery. Continued investigations into genetic links with melanoma are warranted.

Long-term risk of second malignancies in women with ductal carcinoma in situ or early-stage invasive breast cancer after breast conservation treatment

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Background: Women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or early stage breast cancer have a good prognosis after breast conservation treatment (BCT), and are at risk for second malignant neoplasms (SMNs). The long-term risk of SMNs is not well established and carries important public health implications. Methods: A total of 755 women with DCIS or stage I-II invasive breast cancer underwent breast-conserving surgery followed by definitive breast irradiation between 1995 and 2001. Systemic therapy (chemotherapy and/or hormonal therapy) was given to 73% of the patients. We have previously described patient demographics and 15-year oncologic outcomes in detail (Vapiwala, Cancer, 2017). The patient records were reviewed for development of SMNs. SMNs of any anatomic site (other than contralateral breast cancer and basal/squamous cell carcinoma of the skin) were included for analysis. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine the rate of SMNs over time. Median follow-up was 13.8 years. Results: The 5-, 10-, and 15-year rates of developing any SMN were 3.6% (95% CI 2.4-5.3%), 7.8% (95% CI 6.0-10.2%), and 12.7% (95% CI 10.2-15.8%). The most common SMNs were uterine (n=12), leukemia/lymphoma (n=11), melanoma (n=10), ovarian (n=9), and lung (n=7). Conclusions: Development of SMNs is a substantial risk for a protracted period of time following BCT. Clinical patterns of specific SMN histologies, locations and time course of development suggest potential opportunities for screening and treatment to guide patient survivorship clinics and protocols.

No impact of breast magnetic resonance imaging on 15-year outcomes in patients with ductal carcinoma in situ or early-stage invasive breast cancer managed with breast conservation therapy

BACKGROUND

For women undergoing breast conservation therapy (BCT), the added value of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at the time of initial diagnosis remains controversial. The current study was performed to determine long-term outcomes after BCT for women with and without pretreatment breast MRI.

METHODS

Between 1992 and 2001, a total of 755 women with ductal carcinoma in situ or early-stage invasive breast cancer underwent breast-conserving surgery (with axillary lymph node staging for invasive carcinoma) followed by definitive breast radiotherapy. Evaluation at the time of the initial diagnosis included conventional mammography in all subjects and breast MRI in 215 women (28%). Clinical, pathologic, and treatment characteristics were comparable for patients with and without breast MRI. Outcomes were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank method.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 13.8 years, there were 49 local failures (15 women with and 34 women without breast MRI, respectively). The 15-year local failure rates were 8% for women with and 8% for women without MRI (P = .59). There also were no differences noted between women with and without breast MRI with regard to 15-year rates of overall survival (77% vs 71%; P = .24), freedom from distant metastases (86% vs 90%; P = .08), and contralateral breast cancer (10% vs 8%; P = .10). Multivariate analysis demonstrated no significant impact of breast MRI on local failure (P = .96).

CONCLUSIONS

Breast MRI during the initial evaluation for BCT appears to have no significant impact on 15-year rates for local control, overall survival, freedom from distant metastases, or contralateral breast cancer. The routine use of pretreatment breast MRI is not indicated for patients undergoing BCT. Cancer 2017;123:1324-1332. © 2016 American Cancer Society.