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Glinatsi D, Heiberg MS, Rudin A, Nordström D, Haavardsholm EA, Gudbjornsson B, Østergaard M, Uhlig T, Grondal G, Hørslev-Petersen K, van Vollenhoven R, Hetland ML. Head-to-head comparison of aggressive conventional therapy and three biological treatments and comparison of two de-escalation strategies in patients who respond to treatment: study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, open-label, blinded-assessor, phase 4 study. Trials 2017; 18:161. [PMID: 28376912 PMCID: PMC5381054 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-1891-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND New targeted therapies and improved treatment strategies have dramatically improved the outcomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is unknown whether different early aggressive interventions can induce stable remission or a low-active disease state that can be maintained with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (csDMARD) therapy, and whether they differ in efficacy and safety. The Nordic Rheumatic Diseases Strategy Trials And Registries (NORD-STAR) study will assess and compare (1) the proportion of patients who achieve remission in a head-to-head comparison between csDMARD plus glucocorticoid therapy and three different biological DMARD (bDMARD) therapies with different modes of action and (2) two de-escalation strategies in patients who respond to first-line therapy. METHODS/DESIGN In a pragmatic, 80-160-week, multicenter, randomized, open-label, assessor-blinded, phase 4 study, 800 patients with early RA (symptom duration less than 24 months) are randomized 1:1:1:1 to one of four different treatment arms: (1) aggressive csDMARD therapy with methotrexate + sulphasalazine + hydroxychloroquine + i.a. glucocorticoids (arm 1A) or methotrexate + prednisolone p.o. (arm 1B), (2) methotrexate + certolizumab-pegol, (3) methotrexate + abatacept, or (4) methotrexate + tocilizumab. The primary clinical endpoint is the proportion of patients reaching Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) remission at week 24. Patients in stable remission over 24 consecutive weeks enter part 2 of the study earliest after 48 weeks. Patients not achieving sustained CDAI remission over 24 consecutive weeks, exit the study after 80 weeks. In part 2, patients are re-randomized to two different de-escalation strategies, either immediate or delayed (after 24 weeks) tapering, followed by cessation of study medication. All patients remain on stable doses of methotrexate. The primary clinical endpoint in part 2 is the proportion of patients in remission (CDAI ≤2.8) 24 weeks after initiating treatment de-escalation. Radiographic assessment will be performed regularly throughout the trial, and blood and urine samples will be stored in a biobank for later biomarker analyses. DISCUSSION NORD-STAR is the first investigator-initiated, randomized, early RA trial to compare (1) csDMARD and three different bDMARD therapies head to head and (2) two different de-escalation strategies. The trial has the potential to identify which treatment strategy to apply in early RA to achieve the best possible outcomes for both patients and society. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01491815 and NCT02466581 . Registered on 8 December 2011 and May 2015, respectively. EudraCT: 2011-004720-35.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Glinatsi
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre of Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet, Nordre Ringvej 57, DK-2600, Glostrup, Denmark.
| | - Marte S Heiberg
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Box 23 Vinderen, 0219, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna Rudin
- Clinical Rheumatology Research Centre, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gröna Stråket 14, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, Box 480, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Dan Nordström
- Helsinki University Central Hospital and University of Helsinki, Division of Internal Medicine, Stenbäcksgatan 9 A, FIN-00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Espen A Haavardsholm
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Box 23 Vinderen, 0219, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bjorn Gudbjornsson
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, University Hospital, v/Hringbraut, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Mikkel Østergaard
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre of Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet, Nordre Ringvej 57, DK-2600, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Till Uhlig
- National Advisory Unit for Rehabilitation in Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Box 23 Vinderen, 0319, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gerdur Grondal
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Fossvogur, 101, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Kim Hørslev-Petersen
- Department of Rheumatology, King Christian 10th Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Toldbodgade 3, 6300, Graasten, Denmark.,Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Graasten, Denmark
| | - Ronald van Vollenhoven
- Unit for Clinical Therapy Research, Inflammatory Diseases, The Karolinska Institutet, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Merete L Hetland
- Copenhagen Center for Arthritis Research (COPECARE), Center for Rheumatology and Spine Diseases, Centre of Head and Orthopaedics, Rigshospitalet, Nordre Ringvej 57, DK-2600, Glostrup, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Mallick A, Fautrel B, Sagez F, Sordet C, Javier RM, Petit H, Chatelus E, Rahal N, Gottenberg JE, Sibilia J. Stratégies d’arrêt ou de réduction des biomédicaments dans la polyarthrite rhumatoïde en rémission. Rev Med Interne 2017; 38:256-263. [DOI: 10.1016/j.revmed.2016.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Singh JA, Hossain A, Tanjong Ghogomu E, Mudano AS, Maxwell LJ, Buchbinder R, Lopez‐Olivo MA, Suarez‐Almazor ME, Tugwell P, Wells GA. Biologics or tofacitinib for people with rheumatoid arthritis unsuccessfully treated with biologics: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 3:CD012591. [PMID: 28282491 PMCID: PMC6472522 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs: referred to as biologics) are effective in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), however there are few head-to-head comparison studies. Our systematic review, standard meta-analysis and network meta-analysis (NMA) updates the 2009 Cochrane overview, 'Biologics for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)' and adds new data. This review is focused on biologic or tofacitinib therapy in people with RA who had previously been treated unsuccessfully with biologics. OBJECTIVES To compare the benefits and harms of biologics (abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab) and small molecule tofacitinib versus comparator (placebo or methotrexate (MTX)/other DMARDs) in people with RA, previously unsuccessfully treated with biologics. METHODS On 22 June 2015 we searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and Embase; and trials registries (WHO trials register, Clinicaltrials.gov). We carried out article selection, data extraction, and risk of bias and GRADE assessments in duplicate. We calculated direct estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using standard meta-analysis. We used a Bayesian mixed treatment comparison (MTC) approach for NMA estimates with 95% credible intervals (CrI). We converted odds ratios (OR) to risk ratios (RR) for ease of understanding. We have also presented results in absolute measures as risk difference (RD) and number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB). Outcomes measured included four benefits (ACR50, function measured by Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score, remission defined as DAS < 1.6 or DAS28 < 2.6, slowing of radiographic progression) and three harms (withdrawals due to adverse events, serious adverse events, and cancer). MAIN RESULTS This update includes nine new RCTs for a total of 12 RCTs that included 3364 participants. The comparator was placebo only in three RCTs (548 participants), MTX or other traditional DMARD in six RCTs (2468 participants), and another biologic in three RCTs (348 participants). Data were available for four tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-biologics: (certolizumab pegol (1 study; 37 participants), etanercept (3 studies; 348 participants), golimumab (1 study; 461 participants), infliximab (1 study; 27 participants)), three non-TNF biologics (abatacept (3 studies; 632 participants), rituximab (2 studies; 1019 participants), and tocilizumab (2 studies; 589 participants)); there was only one study for tofacitinib (399 participants). The majority of the trials (10/12) lasted less than 12 months.We judged 33% of the studies at low risk of bias for allocation sequence generation, allocation concealment and blinding, 25% had low risk of bias for attrition, 92% were at unclear risk for selective reporting; and 92% had low risk of bias for major baseline imbalance. We downgraded the quality of the evidence for most outcomes to moderate or low due to study limitations, heterogeneity, or rarity of direct comparator trials. Biologic monotherapy versus placeboCompared to placebo, biologics were associated with clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in RA as demonstrated by higher ACR50 and RA remission rates. RR was 4.10 for ACR50 (95% CI 1.97 to 8.55; moderate-quality evidence); absolute benefit RD 14% (95% CI 6% to 21%); and NNTB = 8 (95% CI 4 to 23). RR for RA remission was 13.51 (95% CI 1.85 to 98.45, one study available; moderate-quality evidence); absolute benefit RD 9% (95% CI 5% to 13%); and NNTB = 11 (95% CI 3 to 136). Results for withdrawals due to adverse events and serious adverse events did not show any statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences. There were no studies available for analysis for function measured by HAQ, radiographic progression, or cancer outcomes. There were not enough data for any of the outcomes to look at subgroups. Biologic + MTX versus active comparator (MTX/other traditional DMARDs)Compared to MTX/other traditional DMARDs, biologic + MTX was associated with a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in ACR50, function measured by HAQ, and RA remission rates in direct comparisons. RR for ACR50 was 4.07 (95% CI 2.76 to 5.99; high-quality evidence); absolute benefit RD 16% (10% to 21%); NNTB = 7 (95% CI 5 to 11). HAQ scores showed an improvement with a mean difference (MD) of 0.29 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.36; high-quality evidence); absolute benefit RD 9.7% improvement (95% CI 7% to 12%); and NNTB = 5 (95% CI 4 to 7). Remission rates showed an improved RR of 20.73 (95% CI 4.13 to 104.16; moderate-quality evidence); absolute benefit RD 10% (95% CI 8% to 13%); and NNTB = 17 (95% CI 4 to 96), among the biologic + MTX group compared to MTX/other DMARDs. There were no studies for radiographic progression. Results were not clinically meaningful or statistically significantly different for withdrawals due to adverse events or serious adverse events, and were inconclusive for cancer. Tofacitinib monotherapy versus placeboThere were no published data. Tofacitinib + MTX versus active comparator (MTX)In one study, compared to MTX, tofacitinib + MTX was associated with a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in ACR50 (RR 3.24; 95% CI 1.78 to 5.89; absolute benefit RD 19% (95% CI 12% to 26%); NNTB = 6 (95% CI 3 to 14); moderate-quality evidence), and function measured by HAQ, MD 0.27 improvement (95% CI 0.14 to 0.39); absolute benefit RD 9% (95% CI 4.7% to 13%), NNTB = 5 (95% CI 4 to 10); high-quality evidence). RA remission rates were not statistically significantly different but the observed difference may be clinically meaningful (RR 15.44 (95% CI 0.93 to 256.1; high-quality evidence); absolute benefit RD 6% (95% CI 3% to 9%); NNTB could not be calculated. There were no studies for radiographic progression. There were no statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences for withdrawals due to adverse events and serious adverse events, and results were inconclusive for cancer. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Biologic (with or without MTX) or tofacitinib (with MTX) use was associated with clinically meaningful and statistically significant benefits (ACR50, HAQ, remission) compared to placebo or an active comparator (MTX/other traditional DMARDs) among people with RA previously unsuccessfully treated with biologics.No studies examined radiographic progression. Results were not clinically meaningful or statistically significant for withdrawals due to adverse events and serious adverse events, and were inconclusive for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasvinder A Singh
- Birmingham VA Medical CenterDepartment of MedicineFaculty Office Tower 805B510 20th Street SouthBirminghamALUSA35294
| | - Alomgir Hossain
- University of Ottawa Heart InstituteCardiovascular Research Methods Centre40 Ruskin StreetRoom H‐2265OttawaONCanadaK1Y 4W7
| | | | - Amy S Mudano
- University of Alabama at BirminghamDepartment of Medicine ‐ RheumatologyBirminghamUSA
| | - Lara J Maxwell
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), The Ottawa Hospital ‐ General CampusCentre for Practice‐Changing Research (CPCR)501 Smyth Road, Box 711OttawaONCanadaK1H 8L6
| | - Rachelle Buchbinder
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash UniversityMonash Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Cabrini HospitalSuite 41, Cabrini Medical Centre183 Wattletree RoadMalvernVictoriaAustralia3144
| | - Maria Angeles Lopez‐Olivo
- The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer CenterDepartment of General Internal Medicine1515 Holcombe BlvdUnit 1465HoustonTexasUSA77030
| | - Maria E Suarez‐Almazor
- The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer CenterDepartment of General Internal Medicine1515 Holcombe BlvdUnit 1465HoustonTexasUSA77030
| | - Peter Tugwell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaDepartment of MedicineOttawaONCanadaK1H 8M5
| | - George A Wells
- University of OttawaDepartment of Epidemiology and Community MedicineRoom H128140 Ruskin StreetOttawaONCanadaK1Y 4W7
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Smolen JS, Landewé R, Bijlsma J, Burmester G, Chatzidionysiou K, Dougados M, Nam J, Ramiro S, Voshaar M, van Vollenhoven R, Aletaha D, Aringer M, Boers M, Buckley CD, Buttgereit F, Bykerk V, Cardiel M, Combe B, Cutolo M, van Eijk-Hustings Y, Emery P, Finckh A, Gabay C, Gomez-Reino J, Gossec L, Gottenberg JE, Hazes JMW, Huizinga T, Jani M, Karateev D, Kouloumas M, Kvien T, Li Z, Mariette X, McInnes I, Mysler E, Nash P, Pavelka K, Poór G, Richez C, van Riel P, Rubbert-Roth A, Saag K, da Silva J, Stamm T, Takeuchi T, Westhovens R, de Wit M, van der Heijde D. EULAR recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis with synthetic and biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: 2016 update. Ann Rheum Dis 2017; 76:960-977. [PMID: 28264816 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-210715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1739] [Impact Index Per Article: 248.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent insights in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) necessitated updating the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) RA management recommendations. A large international Task Force based decisions on evidence from 3 systematic literature reviews, developing 4 overarching principles and 12 recommendations (vs 3 and 14, respectively, in 2013). The recommendations address conventional synthetic (cs) disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) (methotrexate (MTX), leflunomide, sulfasalazine); glucocorticoids (GC); biological (b) DMARDs (tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-inhibitors (adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab), abatacept, rituximab, tocilizumab, clazakizumab, sarilumab and sirukumab and biosimilar (bs) DMARDs) and targeted synthetic (ts) DMARDs (Janus kinase (Jak) inhibitors tofacitinib, baricitinib). Monotherapy, combination therapy, treatment strategies (treat-to-target) and the targets of sustained clinical remission (as defined by the American College of Rheumatology-(ACR)-EULAR Boolean or index criteria) or low disease activity are discussed. Cost aspects were taken into consideration. As first strategy, the Task Force recommends MTX (rapid escalation to 25 mg/week) plus short-term GC, aiming at >50% improvement within 3 and target attainment within 6 months. If this fails stratification is recommended. Without unfavourable prognostic markers, switching to-or adding-another csDMARDs (plus short-term GC) is suggested. In the presence of unfavourable prognostic markers (autoantibodies, high disease activity, early erosions, failure of 2 csDMARDs), any bDMARD (current practice) or Jak-inhibitor should be added to the csDMARD. If this fails, any other bDMARD or tsDMARD is recommended. If a patient is in sustained remission, bDMARDs can be tapered. For each recommendation, levels of evidence and Task Force agreement are provided, both mostly very high. These recommendations intend informing rheumatologists, patients, national rheumatology societies, hospital officials, social security agencies and regulators about EULAR's most recent consensus on the management of RA, aimed at attaining best outcomes with current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef S Smolen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,2nd Department of Medicine, Hietzing Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Landewé
- Amsterdam Rheumatology & Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes Bijlsma
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerd Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Jackie Nam
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sofia Ramiro
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Voshaar
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Ronald van Vollenhoven
- Amsterdam Rheumatology & Immunology Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Zuyderland Medical Center, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Aletaha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Aringer
- Division of Rheumatology, Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maarten Boers
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris D Buckley
- Birmingham NIHR Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility, Rheumatology Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Ageing (IIA), University of Birmingham, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Frank Buttgereit
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Free University and Humboldt University Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Vivian Bykerk
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital for Special Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.,Rebecca McDonald Center for Arthritis & Autoimmune Disease, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mario Cardiel
- Centro de Investigación Clínica de Morelia SC, Michoacán, México
| | - Bernard Combe
- Rheumatology Department, Lapeyronie Hospital, Montpellier University, UMR 5535, Montpellier, France
| | - Maurizio Cutolo
- Research Laboratory and Division of Clinical Rheumatology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Yvonne van Eijk-Hustings
- Department of Patient & Care and Department of Rheumatology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Emery
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Axel Finckh
- Division of Rheumatology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cem Gabay
- Division of Rheumatology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Juan Gomez-Reino
- Fundación Ramón Dominguez, Hospital Clinico Universitario, Santiago, Spain
| | - Laure Gossec
- Department of Rheumatology, Sorbonne Universités, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Jacques-Eric Gottenberg
- Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Immunopathologie, et Chimie Thérapeutique, Strasbourg University Hospital and University of Strasbourg, CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Johanna M W Hazes
- Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Huizinga
- Department of Psychology, Health and Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Meghna Jani
- Arthritis Research UK Centre for Epidemiology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Dmitry Karateev
- V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Marios Kouloumas
- European League Against Rheumatism, Zurich, Switzerland.,Cyprus League against Rheumatism, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tore Kvien
- Department of Rheumatology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Zhanguo Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Beijing University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xavier Mariette
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Sud, INSERM U1184, Center for Immunology of viral Infections and Autoimmune Diseases (IMVA), Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Iain McInnes
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Eduardo Mysler
- Organización Médica de Investigación, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Peter Nash
- Department of Medicine, University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Karel Pavelka
- Institute of Rheumatology and Clinic of Rheumatology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Gyula Poór
- National Institute of Rheumatology and Physiotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Christophe Richez
- Rheumatology Department, FHU ACRONIM, Pellegrin Hospital and UMR CNRS 5164, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
| | - Piet van Riel
- Department of Rheumatology, Bernhoven, Uden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Kenneth Saag
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Jose da Silva
- Serviço de Reumatologia, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra Praceta Mota Pinto, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tanja Stamm
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics, and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tsutomu Takeuchi
- Keio University School of Medicine, Keio University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - René Westhovens
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Maarten de Wit
- Department Medical Humanities, VU Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Tanaka Y. Stopping tumour necrosis factor-targeted biological DMARDs in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2016; 55:ii15-ii22. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kew352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
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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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Singh JA, Hossain A, Tanjong Ghogomu E, Mudano AS, Tugwell P, Wells GA. Biologic or tofacitinib monotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis in people with traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) failure: a Cochrane Systematic Review and network meta-analysis (NMA). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 11:CD012437. [PMID: 27855242 PMCID: PMC6469573 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We performed a systematic review, a standard meta-analysis and network meta-analysis (NMA), which updates the 2009 Cochrane Overview, 'Biologics for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)'. This review is focused on biologic monotherapy in people with RA in whom treatment with traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) including methotrexate (MTX) had failed (MTX/other DMARD-experienced). OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of biologic monotherapy (includes anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) (adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab) or non-TNF (abatacept, anakinra, rituximab, tocilizumab)) or tofacitinib monotherapy (oral small molecule) versus comparator (placebo or MTX/other DMARDs) in adults with RA who were MTX/other DMARD-experienced. METHODS We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; The Cochrane Library 2015, Issue 6, June), MEDLINE (via OVID 1946 to June 2015), and Embase (via OVID 1947 to June 2015). Article selection, data extraction and risk of bias and GRADE assessments were done in duplicate. We calculated direct estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using standard meta-analysis. We used a Bayesian mixed treatment comparisons (MTC) approach for NMA estimates with 95% credible intervals (CrI). We converted odds ratios (OR) to risk ratios (RR) for ease of understanding. We calculated absolute measures as risk difference (RD) and number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB). MAIN RESULTS This update includes 40 new RCTs for a total of 46 RCTs, of which 41 studies with 14,049 participants provided data. The comparator was placebo in 16 RCTs (4,532 patients), MTX or other DMARD in 13 RCTs (5,602 patients), and another biologic in 12 RCTs (3,915 patients). Monotherapy versus placeboBased on moderate-quality direct evidence, biologic monotherapy (without concurrent MTX/other DMARDs) was associated with a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in American College of Rheumatology score (ACR50) and physical function, as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) versus placebo. RR was 4.68 for ACR50 (95% CI, 2.93 to 7.48); absolute benefit RD 23% (95% CI, 18% to 29%); and NNTB = 5 (95% CI, 3 to 8). The mean difference (MD) was -0.32 for HAQ (95% CI, -0.42 to -0.23; a negative sign represents greater HAQ improvement); absolute benefit of -10.7% (95% CI, -14% to -7.7%); and NNTB = 4 (95% CI, 3 to 5). Direct and NMA estimates for TNF biologic, non-TNF biologic or tofacitinib monotherapy showed similar results for ACR50 , downgraded to moderate-quality evidence. Direct and NMA estimates for TNF biologic, anakinra or tofacitinib monotherapy showed a similar results for HAQ versus placebo with mostly moderate quality evidence.Based on moderate-quality direct evidence, biologic monotherapy was associated with a clinically meaningful and statistically significant greater proportion of disease remission versus placebo with RR 1.12 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.22); absolute benefit 10% (95% CI, 3% to 17%; NNTB = 10 (95% CI, 8 to 21)).Based on low-quality direct evidence, results for biologic monotherapy for withdrawals due to adverse events and serious adverse events were inconclusive, with wide confidence intervals encompassing the null effect and evidence of an important increase. The direct estimate for TNF monotherapy for withdrawals due to adverse events showed a clinically meaningful and statistically significant result with RR 2.02 (95% CI, 1.08 to 3.78), absolute benefit RD 3% (95% CI,1% to 4%), based on moderate-quality evidence. The NMA estimates for TNF biologic, non-TNF biologic, anakinra, or tofacitinib monotherapy for withdrawals due to adverse events and for serious adverse events were all inconclusive and downgraded to low-quality evidence. Monotherapy versus active comparator (MTX/other DMARDs)Based on direct evidence of moderate quality, biologic monotherapy (without concurrent MTX/other DMARDs) was associated with a clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvement in ACR50 and HAQ scores versus MTX/other DMARDs with a RR of 1.54 (95% CI, 1.14 to 2.08); absolute benefit 13% (95% CI, 2% to 23%), NNTB = 7 (95% CI, 4 to 26) and a mean difference in HAQ of -0.27 (95% CI, -0.40 to -0.14); absolute benefit of -9% (95% CI, -13.3% to -4.7%), NNTB = 2 (95% CI, 2 to 4). Direct and NMA estimates for TNF monotherapy and NMA estimate for non-TNF biologic monotherapy for ACR50 showed similar results, based on moderate-quality evidence. Direct and NMA estimates for non-TNF biologic monotherapy, but not TNF monotherapy, showed similar HAQ improvements , based on mostly moderate-quality evidence.There were no statistically significant or clinically meaningful differences for direct estimates of biologic monotherapy versus active comparator for RA disease remission. NMA estimates showed a statistically significant and clinically meaningful difference versus active comparator for TNF monotherapy (absolute improvement 7% (95% CI, 2% to 14%)) and non-TNF monotherapy (absolute improvement 19% (95% CrI, 7% to 36%)), both downgraded to moderate quality.Based on moderate-quality direct evidence from a single study, radiographic progression (scale 0 to 448) was statistically significantly reduced in those on biologic monotherapy versus active comparator, MD -4.34 (95% CI, -7.56 to -1.12), though the absolute reduction was small, -0.97% (95% CI, -1.69% to -0.25%). We are not sure of the clinical relevance of this reduction.Direct and NMA evidence (downgraded to low quality), showed inconclusive results for withdrawals due to adverse events, serious adverse events and cancer, with wide confidence intervals encompassing the null effect and evidence of an important increase. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based mostly on RCTs of six to 12-month duration in people with RA who had previously experienced and failed treatment with MTX/other DMARDs, biologic monotherapy improved ACR50, function and RA remission rates compared to placebo or MTX/other DMARDs.Radiographic progression was reduced versus active comparator, although the clinical significance was unclear.Results were inconclusive for whether biologic monotherapy was associated with an increased risk of withdrawals due to adverse events, serious adverse events or cancer, versus placebo (no data on cancer) or MTX/other DMARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasvinder A Singh
- Birmingham VA Medical CenterDepartment of MedicineFaculty Office Tower 805B510 20th Street SouthBirminghamALUSA35294
| | - Alomgir Hossain
- University of Ottawa Heart InstituteCardiovascular Research Methods Centre40 Ruskin StreetRoom H‐2265OttawaONCanadaK1Y 4W7
| | | | - Amy S Mudano
- University of Alabama at BirminghamDepartment of Medicine ‐ RheumatologyBirminghamUSA
| | - Peter Tugwell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaDepartment of MedicineOttawaONCanadaK1H 8M5
| | - George A Wells
- University of OttawaDepartment of Epidemiology and Community MedicineRoom H128140 Ruskin StreetOttawaONCanadaK1Y 4W7
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Atzeni F, Benucci M, Talotta R, Masala IF, Sarzi-Puttini P, Govoni M. What are the dangers of biological therapy discontinuation or dose reduction strategies when treating rheumatoid arthritis? Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2016; 9:1403-1411. [DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2016.1234374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Atzeni
- Rheumatology Unit, L. Sacco University Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Marcello Govoni
- Rheumatology Unit, S. Anna Hospital University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Singh JA, Hossain A, Tanjong Ghogomu E, Kotb A, Christensen R, Mudano AS, Maxwell LJ, Shah NP, Tugwell P, Wells GA. Biologics or tofacitinib for rheumatoid arthritis in incomplete responders to methotrexate or other traditional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 2016:CD012183. [PMID: 27175934 PMCID: PMC7068903 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is an update of the 2009 Cochrane overview and network meta-analysis (NMA) of biologics for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of nine biologics (abatacept, adalimumab, anakinra, certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab, tocilizumab) and small molecule tofacitinib, versus comparator (MTX, DMARD, placebo (PL), or a combination) in adults with rheumatoid arthritis who have failed to respond to methotrexate (MTX) or other disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), i.e., MTX/DMARD incomplete responders (MTX/DMARD-IR). METHODS We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (via The Cochrane Library Issue 6, June 2015), MEDLINE (via OVID 1946 to June 2015), and EMBASE (via OVID 1947 to June 2015). Data extraction, risk of bias and GRADE assessments were done in duplicate. We calculated both direct estimates using standard meta-analysis and used Bayesian mixed treatment comparisons approach for NMA estimates to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% credible intervals (CrI). We converted OR to risk ratios (RR) which are reported in the abstract for the ease of interpretation. MAIN RESULTS This update included 73 new RCTs for a total of 90 RCTs; 79 RCTs with 32,874 participants provided usable data. Few trials were at high risk of bias for blinding of assessors/participants (13% to 21%), selective reporting (4%) or major baseline imbalance (8%); a large number had unclear risk of bias for random sequence generation (68%) or allocation concealment (74%).Based on direct evidence of moderate quality (downgraded for inconsistency), biologic+MTX/DMARD was associated with a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in ACR50 versus comparator (RR 2.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.36 to 3.10); absolute benefit 24% more patients (95% CI 19% to 29%), number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) = 5 (4 to 6). NMA estimates for ACR50 in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biologic+MTX/DMARD (RR 3.23 (95% credible interval (Crl) 2.75 to 3.79), non-TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (RR 2.99; 95% Crl 2.36 to 3.74), and anakinra + MTX/DMARD (RR 2.37 (95% Crl 1.00 to 4.70) were similar to the direct estimates.Based on direct evidence of moderate quality (downgraded for inconsistency), biologic+MTX/DMARD was associated with a clinically and statistically important improvement in function measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (0 to 3 scale, higher = worse function) with a mean difference (MD) based on direct evidence of -0.25 (95% CI -0.28 to -0.22); absolute benefit of -8.3% (95% CI -9.3% to -7.3%), NNTB = 3 (95% CI 2 to 4). NMA estimates for TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (absolute benefit, -10.3% (95% Crl -14% to -6.7%) and non-TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (absolute benefit, -7.3% (95% Crl -13.6% to -0.67%) were similar to respective direct estimates.Based on direct evidence of moderate quality (downgraded for inconsistency), biologic+MTX/DMARD was associated with clinically and statistically significantly greater proportion of participants achieving remission in RA (defined by disease activity score DAS < 1.6 or DAS28 < 2.6) versus comparator (RR 2.81 (95% CI, 2.23 to 3.53); absolute benefit 18% more patients (95% CI 12% to 25%), NNTB = 6 (4 to 9)). NMA estimates for TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (absolute improvement 17% (95% Crl 11% to 23%)) and non-TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (absolute improvement 19% (95% Crl 12% to 28%) were similar to respective direct estimates.Based on direct evidence of moderate quality (downgraded for inconsistency), radiographic progression (scale 0 to 448) was statistically significantly reduced in those on biologics + MTX/DMARDs versus comparator, MD -2.61 (95% CI -4.08 to -1.14). The absolute reduction was small, -0.58% (95% CI -0.91% to -0.25%) and we are unsure of the clinical relevance of this reduction. NMA estimates of TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (absolute reduction -0.67% (95% Crl -1.4% to -0.12%) and non-TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (absolute reduction, -0.68% (95% Crl -2.36% to 0.92%)) were similar to respective direct estimates.Based on direct evidence of moderate quality (downgraded for imprecision), results for withdrawals due to adverse events were inconclusive, with wide confidence intervals encompassing the null effect and evidence of an important increase in withdrawals, RR 1.11 (95% CI 0.96 to 1.30). The NMA estimates of TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (RR 1.24 (95% Crl 0.99 to 1.57)) and non-TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (RR 1.20 (95% Crl 0.87 to 1.67)) were similarly inconclusive and downgraded to low for both imprecision and indirectness.Based on direct evidence of high quality, biologic+MTX/DMARD was associated with clinically significantly increased risk (statistically borderline significant) of serious adverse events on biologic+MTX/DMARD (Peto OR [can be interpreted as RR due to low event rate] 1.12 (95% CI 0.99 to 1.27); absolute risk 1% (0% to 2%), As well, the NMA estimate for TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (Peto OR 1.20 (95% Crl 1.01 to 1.43)) showed moderate quality evidence of an increase in the risk of serious adverse events. The other two NMA estimates were downgraded to low quality due to imprecision and indirectness and had wide confidence intervals resulting in uncertainty around the estimates: non-TNF biologics + MTX/DMARD: 1.07 (95% Crl 0.89 to 1.29) and anakinra: RR 1.06 (95% Crl 0.65 to 1.75).Based on direct evidence of low quality (downgraded for serious imprecision), results were inconclusive for cancer (Peto OR 1.07 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.68) for all biologic+MTX/DMARD combinations. The NMA estimates of TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (Peto OR 1.21 (95% Crl 0.63 to 2.38) and non-TNF biologic+MTX/DMARD (Peto OR 0.99 (95% Crl 0.58 to 1.78)) were similarly inconclusive and downgraded to low quality for both imprecision and indirectness.Main results text shows the results for tofacitinib and differences between medications. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based primarily on RCTs of 6 months' to 12 months' duration, there is moderate quality evidence that the use of biologic+MTX/DMARD in people with rheumatoid arthritis who have failed to respond to MTX or other DMARDs results in clinically important improvement in function and higher ACR50 and remission rates, and increased risk of serious adverse events than the comparator (MTX/DMARD/PL; high quality evidence). Radiographic progression is slowed but its clinical relevance is uncertain. Results were inconclusive for whether biologics + MTX/DMARDs are associated with an increased risk of cancer or withdrawals due to adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasvinder A Singh
- Birmingham VA Medical CenterDepartment of MedicineFaculty Office Tower 805B510 20th Street SouthBirminghamALUSA35294
| | - Alomgir Hossain
- University of Ottawa Heart InstituteCardiovascular Research Methods Centre40 Ruskin StreetRoom H‐2265OttawaONCanadaK1Y 4W7
| | | | - Ahmed Kotb
- University of Ottawa Heart InstituteCardiovascular Research Methods Centre40 Ruskin StreetRoom H‐2265OttawaONCanadaK1Y 4W7
| | - Robin Christensen
- Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg og FrederiksbergMusculoskeletal Statistics Unit, The Parker InstituteNordre Fasanvej 57CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2000
| | - Amy S Mudano
- University of Alabama at BirminghamDepartment of Medicine ‐ RheumatologyBirminghamUSA
| | - Lara J Maxwell
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), The Ottawa Hospital ‐ General CampusCentre for Practice‐Changing Research (CPCR)501 Smyth Road, Box 711OttawaONCanadaK1H 8L6
| | - Nipam P Shah
- University of Alabama at BirminghamDepartment of Clinical Immunology and RheumatologyFaculty Office Tower, Suite 805, 510 20th Street SouthBirminghamALUSA35294
| | - Peter Tugwell
- Faculty of Medicine, University of OttawaDepartment of MedicineOttawaONCanadaK1H 8M5
| | - George A Wells
- University of OttawaDepartment of Epidemiology and Community MedicineRoom H128140 Ruskin StreetOttawaONCanadaK1Y 4W7
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Cantini F, Niccoli L, Nannini C, Cassarà E, Kaloudi O, Giulio Favalli E, Becciolini A, Biggioggero M, Benucci M, Li Gobbi F, Grossi V, Infantino M, Meacci F, Manfredi M, Guiducci S, Bellando-Randone S, Matucci-Cerinic M, Foti R, Di Gangi M, Mosca M, Tani C, Palmieri F, Goletti D. Tailored first-line biologic therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum 2016; 45:519-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semarthrit.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Krüger K, Edelmann E. [Treatment reduction in well-controlled rheumatoid arthritis. State of knowledge]. Z Rheumatol 2016; 74:414-20. [PMID: 26085073 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-014-1534-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, the excellent treatment options available for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) result in ambitious therapeutic goals, such as remission, which can actually be achieved for many RA patients. In a state of sustained remission many patients request reduction in drug treatment and this as well as economic reasons makes treatment reduction or even drug-free remission a reasonable target. Increasingly successful reduction of disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment has been shown in studies for approximately 30-60 % of patients in sustained remission, at least for some period of time. Because flare retreatment is successful in nearly all cases, the risk of treatment de-escalation can be minimized, so long as patients are continuously monitored after reduction or termination of drug treatment. No study has yet shown an elevated risk for unfavorable long-term outcome in cases of controlled treatment reduction. Current treatment recommendations are that glucocorticoids should first be withdrawn followed by reduction and termination of biologics and in cases of sustained remission finally, conventional DMARDs, such as methotrexate should be reduced and possibly terminated to achieve the defined target of drug-free remission. Factors facilitating success of tapering antirheumatic drugs are low disease activity at initiation, negative serological tests and short disease duration after starting DMARD treatment. A joint decision between rheumatologists and patients as well as continuous remission for at least 6 months are prerequisites for drug reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Krüger
- Rheumatologisches Praxiszentrum St. Bonifatius, St. Bonifatius Str. 5, 81541, München, Deutschland,
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Chatzidionysiou K, Turesson C, Teleman A, Knight A, Lindqvist E, Larsson P, Cöster L, Forslind K, van Vollenhoven R, Heimbürger M. A multicentre, randomised, controlled, open-label pilot study on the feasibility of discontinuation of adalimumab in established patients with rheumatoid arthritis in stable clinical remission. RMD Open 2016; 2:e000133. [PMID: 26819752 PMCID: PMC4716561 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2015-000133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Treatment with tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blockers, once started as therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is usually continued indefinitely. The aim of this trial was to assess the possibility of discontinuing treatment with adalimumab (ADA) while maintaining remission in patients with RA with established disease in stable remission on combination therapy with ADA and methotrexate (MTX). Methods In a randomised, controlled, open-label pilot study of patients with RA in stable remission treated with ADA+MTX, patients were randomised in a 1:1 ratio to continue with ADA plus MTX (arm AM) or MTX monotherapy (arm M) for 52 weeks. Flare was defined as Disease Activity Score (DAS28) ≥2.6 or a change in DAS28 (ΔDAS28) of >1.2 from baseline at any time. Patients in arm M with a flare restarted ADA. The primary end point was the proportion of patients in remission at week 28. Results 31 patients were enrolled in the study and randomised to arm AM (n=16) or arm M (n=15). At 28 weeks, 15/16 patients (94%) and 5/15 patients (33%) in arms AM and M, respectively, were in remission (p=0.001). During the first 28 weeks, 50% (8/16) in the AM arm and 80% (12/15) in the M arm had a flare (p=0.08). The number of patients in the AM and M arms with ≥1 ΔDAS28 >1.2 during the first 28 weeks was 1/16 (6%) and 8/15 (53%), respectively (p=0.005). Conclusions In this study, remission was rarely maintained in patients with long-standing disease who discontinued ADA. Discontinuation may be feasible in only a minority of patients with established RA in stable clinical remission. Trial registration number NCT00808509.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Chatzidionysiou
- Unit for Clinical Therapy Research, Inflammatory Diseases (ClinTRID) , Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Carl Turesson
- Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Sciences , Malmö, Lund University , Malmö , Sweden
| | | | - Ann Knight
- Rheumatology Department , Uppsala University , Uppsala , Sweden
| | - Elisabet Lindqvist
- Rheumatology, Department Clinical Sciences Lund , Lund University , Skåne University Hospital , Lund , Sweden
| | - Per Larsson
- Rheumatology Department , Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Lars Cöster
- Rheumatology Department , University Hospital , Linköping , Sweden
| | - Kristina Forslind
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Helsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden; Rheumatology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Ronald van Vollenhoven
- Unit for Clinical Therapy Research, Inflammatory Diseases (ClinTRID) , Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden
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Yoshida K, Radner H, Mjaavatten MD, Greenberg JD, Kavanaugh A, Kishimoto M, Matsui K, Okada M, Reed G, Saeki Y, Tohma S, Kremer J, Solomon DH. Incidence and Predictors of Biological Antirheumatic Drug Discontinuation Attempts among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Remission: A CORRONA and NinJa Collaborative Cohort Study. J Rheumatol 2015; 42:2238-46. [DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.150240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Objective.We conducted a longitudinal observational study of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD) to describe the proportions of patients with rheumatoid arthritis in remission who discontinued these agents, and to assess the potential predictors of the decision to discontinue.Methods.We used data from the US COnsortium of Rheumatology Researchers Of North America (CORRONA) and the Japanese National Database of Rheumatic Diseases by iR-net in Japan (NinJa) registries, and ran parallel analyses. Patients treated with bDMARD who experienced remission (defined by the Clinical Disease Activity Index ≤ 2.8) were included. The outcome of interest was the occurrence of bDMARD discontinuation while in remission. The predictors of discontinuation were assessed in the Cox regression models. Frailty models were also used to examine the effects of individual physicians in the discontinuation decision.Results.The numbers of eligible patients who were initially in remission were 6263 in the CORRONA and 744 in the NinJa. Among these patients, 10.0% of patients in CORRONA and 11.8% of patients in NinJa discontinued bDMARD while in remission over 5 years, whereas many of the remaining patients lost remission before discontinuing bDMARD. Shorter disease duration was associated with higher rates of discontinuation in both cohorts. In CORRONA, methotrexate use and lower disease activity were also associated with discontinuation. In frailty models, physician random effects were significant in both cohorts.Conclusion.Among patients who initially experienced remission while receiving bDMARD, around 10% remained in remission and then discontinued bDMARD in both registries. Several factors were associated with more frequent discontinuation while in remission. Physician preference likely is also an important correlate of bDMARD discontinuation, indicating the need for standardization of practice.
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Safety Profile of Certolizumab Pegol in Patients with Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Drug Saf 2015; 38:869-88. [DOI: 10.1007/s40264-015-0336-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Avci AB, Feist E, Burmester GR. Biologicals in rheumatoid arthritis: current and future. RMD Open 2015; 1:e000127. [PMID: 26535144 PMCID: PMC4613149 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2015-000127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the review is to highlight the current knowledge about established and new biologicals and to summarise recent advances by focusing on comparative efficacy, safety and possible discontinuation of treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Up to now, comparative analyses showed only minor differences with respect to efficacy and safety among the established biologicals. Studies confirmed the excellent drug retention rate as well as efficacy and safety of approved biologicals including their use in monotherapy. Tapering and in some instances discontinuation of biologicals is possible in disease remission. In case of relapse, patients usually show full response after reintroduction of the same compound. The development of biologicals continues fast with several new biologicals targeting different or established cytokines or cellular subsets of the immune system. With several new biologicals in the pipeline and different formulations for established compounds, treatment options for RA will become even more versatile and sophisticated. Although we get closer to the aim of decreasing the proportion of refractory patients, many questions have to be addressed in the near future regarding emerging biosimilars and biologicals with new modes of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Berkant Avci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology , Akdeniz University, Medical School , Antalya , Turkey
| | - Eugen Feist
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology , Charité-University Medicine Berlin , Berlin , Germany
| | - Gerd-R Burmester
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology , Charité-University Medicine Berlin , Berlin , Germany
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Abstract
Remission is the key treatment goal in rheumatoid arthritis and should provide the optimal state for patients. Clinical remission criteria are based on composite scores of disease activity and are widely used in clinical practice and trials. With the use of biologic therapies and treat to target strategies, rates of clinical remission have significantly improved. Despite achieving this target, many patients demonstrate structural and functional deterioration. This raises the question regarding the validity of clinical criteria, although they have evolved significantly over the years. Imaging modalities such as ultrasound have been described as more accurate methods of assessing the remission state compared with clinical assessment alone. Furthermore, immuno-pathological assessments are gaining significant interest as this would enable assessment of disease activity at the primary site of pathology. Further research is required to develop accurate biomarkers of remission. We aimed to review the evolution of remission criteria in rheumatoid arthritis to date and to evaluate novel concepts in and the future of defining remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna L Gul
- a 1 Leeds Institute of Rheumatology & Musculoskeletal Medicine, 2nd Floor, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Chapeltown Road, Leeds, LS7 4SA UK
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Mease P, Deodhar A, Fleischmann R, Wollenhaupt J, Gladman D, Leszczyński P, Vitek P, Turkiewicz A, Khraishi M, FitzGerald O, Landewé R, de Longueville M, Hoepken B, Peterson L, van der Heijde D. Effect of certolizumab pegol over 96 weeks in patients with psoriatic arthritis with and without prior antitumour necrosis factor exposure. RMD Open 2015; 1:e000119. [PMID: 26509074 PMCID: PMC4612702 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2015-000119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Previous reports of RAPID-PsA (NCT01087788) demonstrated efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol (CZP) over 24 weeks in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), including patients with prior antitumour necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. We report efficacy and safety data from a 96-week data cut of RAPID-PsA. Methods RAPID-PsA was placebo-controlled to week 24, dose-blind to week 48 and open-label to week 216. We present efficacy data including American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) responses, HAQ-DI, pain, minimal disease activity (MDA), modified total Sharp score (mTSS) and ACR responses in patients with/without prior anti-TNF exposure, in addition to safety data. Results Of 409 patients randomised, 273 received CZP from week 0. 54 (19.8%) CZP patients had prior anti-TNF exposure. Of patients randomised to CZP, 91% completed week 24, 87% week 48 and 80% week 96. ACR responses were maintained to week 96: 60% of patients achieved ACR20 at week 24, and 64% at week 96. Improvements were observed with both CZP dose regimens. ACR20 responses were similar in patients with (week 24: 59%; week 96: 63%) and without (week 24: 60%; week 96: 64%) prior anti-TNF exposure. Placebo patients switching to CZP displayed rapid clinical improvements, maintained to week 96. In patients with ≥3% baseline skin involvement (60.8% week 0 CZP patients), PASI responses were maintained to week 96. No progression of structural damage was observed over the 96-week period. In the Safety Set (n=393), adverse events occurred in 345 patients (87.8%) and serious adverse events in 67 (17.0%), including 6 fatal events. Conclusions CZP efficacy was maintained to week 96 with both dose regimens and in patients with/without prior anti-TNF exposure. The safety profile was in line with that previously reported from RAPID-PsA, with no new safety signals observed with increased exposure. Trial registration number NCT01087788.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Mease
- Swedish Medical Center and University of Washington , Seattle, Washington , USA
| | - A Deodhar
- Oregon Health & Science University , Portland, Oregon , USA
| | - R Fleischmann
- University of Texas SW Medical Center , Dallas, Texas , USA
| | | | - D Gladman
- Toronto Western Research Institute , Toronto , Canada
| | - P Leszczyński
- Poznan Medical University , Poznan , Poland ; Division of Rheumatology and Osteoporosis , Jozef Strus Hospital , Poznan , Poland
| | - P Vitek
- PV-MEDICAL, Revmavita Centre , Zlin , Czech Republic
| | - A Turkiewicz
- Rheumatology Associates Clinical Research Unit , Birmingham, Alabama , USA
| | - M Khraishi
- Department of Medicine , Memorial University of Newfoundland , St. John's , Canada
| | - O FitzGerald
- Department of Rheumatology , St. Vincent's University Hospital and Conway Institute for Biomolecular Research, University College , Dublin , Ireland
| | - R Landewé
- Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam and Atrium Medical Center , Heerlen , The Netherlands
| | | | | | - L Peterson
- UCB Pharma , Raleigh, North Carolina , USA
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De Cock D, Van der Elst K, Meyfroidt S, Verschueren P, Westhovens R. The optimal combination therapy for the treatment of early rheumatoid arthritis. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2015; 16:1615-25. [PMID: 26058860 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2015.1056735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition traditionally viewed as a severe destructive disease affecting physical health and global wellbeing. The treatment strategies for RA have changed in the last decades from mainly symptomatic towards a more vigorous and targeted approach. AREA COVERED Reviewing recent literature enhanced by own expertise and research, a case is made for starting early with an intensive combination treatment with glucocorticoids, followed by a treat to target approach in a tight control setting. Implementation issues that need to be addressed to make optimal use of the 'window of opportunity' are highlighted. EXPERT OPINION There is strong evidence in favor of traditional synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) combined with a remission induction scheme of glucocorticoids to achieve adequate efficacy in controlling early rheumatoid arthritis with good safety and feasibility in daily clinical practice. Furthermore, the most optimal RA treatment should address not only the physician-oriented clinical disease outcomes but also the patient perspective. There is still a need for working on improving implementation of this approach in daily practice in order to provide optimal treatment benefit to more patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diederik De Cock
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven Department of Development and Regeneration , Leuven , Belgium +016 346 350 ; +016 342 543 ;
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69
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Sanmartí R, García-Rodríguez S, Álvaro-Gracia JM, Andreu JL, Balsa A, Cáliz R, Fernández-Nebro A, Ferraz-Amaro I, Gómez-Reino JJ, González-Álvaro I, Martín-Mola E, Martínez-Taboada VM, Ortiz AM, Tornero J, Marsal S, Moreno-Muelas JV. 2014 update of the Consensus Statement of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology on the use of biological therapies in rheumatoid arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 11:279-94. [PMID: 26051464 DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish recommendations for the management of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to serve as a reference for all health professionals involved in the care of these patients, and focusing on the role of available synthetic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). METHODS Consensual recommendations were agreed on by a panel of 14 experts selected by the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER). The available scientific evidence was collected by updating three systematic reviews (SR) used for the EULAR 2013 recommendations. A new SR was added to answer an additional question. The literature review of the scientific evidence was made by the SER reviewer's group. The level of evidence and the degree of recommendation was classified according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine system. A Delphi panel was used to evaluate the level of agreement between panellists (strength of recommendation). RESULTS Thirteen recommendations for the management of adult RA were emitted. The therapeutic objective should be to treat patients in the early phases of the disease with the aim of achieving clinical remission, with methotrexate playing a central role in the therapeutic strategy of RA as the reference synthetic DMARD. Indications for biologic DMARDs were updated and the concept of the optimization of biologicals was introduced. CONCLUSIONS We present the fifth update of the SER recommendations for the management of RA with synthetic and biologic DMARDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raimon Sanmartí
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
| | | | | | - José Luis Andreu
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Madrid, España
| | - Alejandro Balsa
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España
| | - Rafael Cáliz
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España
| | - Antonio Fernández-Nebro
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, España
| | - Iván Ferraz-Amaro
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, España
| | - Juan Jesús Gómez-Reino
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, España
| | | | | | | | - Ana M Ortiz
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, España
| | - Jesús Tornero
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, España
| | - Sara Marsal
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Vall d́Hebron, Barcelona, España
| | - José Vicente Moreno-Muelas
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Vall d́Hebron, Barcelona, España; Sociedad Española de Reumatología, Madrid, España
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70
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Rheumatoid arthritis therapy reappraisal: strategies, opportunities and challenges. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2015; 11:276-89. [PMID: 25687177 DOI: 10.1038/nrrheum.2015.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 303] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a chronic disease that cannot be cured. Biologic agents have enabled good therapeutic successes; however, the response to biologic therapy depends on treatment history and, especially, disease duration. In general, the more drug-experienced the patients, the lower the response rates, although this limitation can be overcome by promptly adjusting or switching treatment in a treat-to-target approach. Another challenge is the question of how long therapy should be continued once the treatment target, which should be remission or at least a state of low disease activity, has been reached. The data available suggest that, in most patients with established disease, cessation of biologic therapy will be followed by disease flares, whereas a reduction of dose or an increase in the interval between doses enables maintenance of treatment success. Induction therapy very early in the disease course followed by withdrawal of the biologic agent might also be a feasible approach to attain sustained good outcomes, but currently available data are not strong enough to allow for such a conclusion to be reached. Taken together, this underscores the importance of research into the cause(s) of RA so that curative therapies can be developed.
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Koike T. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by molecular-targeted agents: efficacy and limitations. J Orthop Sci 2015; 20:951-7. [PMID: 26404390 PMCID: PMC4653232 DOI: 10.1007/s00776-015-0766-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by chronic synovial inflammation due to unknown causes. Conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), biological DMARDs (bDMARDs), and tofacitinib, a targeted sDMARD, can be used to treat RA. In clinical trials, molecular-targeted therapies showed a significant reduction in RA symptoms and provided pain relief for patients with active RA. Even if patients did not show clinical improvement with combination therapy with a bDMARD and methotrexate (MTX), some patients showed a significant inhibition in structural damage. The clinical efficacies of tofacitinib were shown to be equivalent to adalimumab, a bDMARD, in patients with RA treated with MTX. MTX is the first-line agent for the treatment of RA. Higher doses of MTX might be needed to maintain the effects of bDMARDs. Patients receiving some bDMARDs have been shown to have a higher risk for serious infections; thus, pre-screening for infections is important before beginning treatment with bDMARDs. The rates of patients maintaining targeted levels of disease activity after stopping bDMARDs are relatively low. It is uncertain whether remission or low disease activity can be maintained after stopping molecular-targeted therapies. The development of bDMARDs and targeted-molecular sDMARDs has provided a wide range of treatment options for RA. Patients with active RA should be treated with a treat-to-target strategy after assessment of risks and benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsuya Koike
- />Center for Senile Degenerative Disorders (CSDD), Osaka City University Medical School, Abenoku, Asahimachi 1-4-3, Osaka, 545-8585 Japan , />Search Institute for Bone and Arthritis Disease (SINBAD), Shirahama Foundation for Health and Welfare, Nishimurogun Shirahamacho 1447, Shirahama, Wakayama 649-2211 Japan
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72
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Tanaka Y, Hirata S. Intensive intervention can lead to a treatment holiday from biological DMARDs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs 2014; 74:2129-39. [PMID: 25389048 PMCID: PMC4245498 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-014-0323-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and joint destruction that causes significant morbidity and mortality. However, the combined use of methotrexate (MTX), a synthetic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (sDMARD) and biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) has revolutionized treatment of RA and clinical remission or low disease activity (LDA) are now realistic targets, achieved by a large proportion of RA patients. We are now in a position to evaluate if it is possible to maintain remission or LDA while at the same time reducing the burden of treatment on the patient and healthcare system. Data are emerging from large, well-conducted studies designed to answer this question, shedding light on which patient populations and treatment algorithms can survive treatment discontinuation or tapering with low risk of disease flare. For early RA, approximately half of early RA patients could discontinue TNF-targeted bDMARDs without clinical flare and functional impairment after obtaining clinical remission by bDMARDs with MTX. In contrast, for established RA, fewer patients sustained remission or LDA after the discontinuation of bDMARDs and "deep remission" at the discontinuation was a key factor to maintain the treatment holiday of bDMARDs. Thus, this article provides a brief outline on withdrawing or tapering bDMARDs once patients have achieved remission or LDA in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan,
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Zhou Q, Zhou Y, Chen H, Wang Z, Tang Z, Liu J. The efficacy and safety of certolizumab pegol (CZP) in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA): a meta-analysis from nine randomized controlled trials. Int J Clin Exp Med 2014; 7:3870-3880. [PMID: 25550895 PMCID: PMC4276153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Certolizumab pegol (CZP) is a novel anti-TNF agent that is used for patients with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the efficacy of CZP in RA remains controversial. Thus, we performed this meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of CZP in the treatment of RA patients. METHODS Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the efficacy and safe of CZP in the patients with active RA. The primary outcome was American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20), and secondary outcome were ACR50, ACR70, disease activity, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and adverse events. A fixed-effect model or random-effect model was used to pool the estimates, depending on the absence or presence of heterogeneity among the included studies. RESULTS Nine RCTs with a total of 5228 patients were included in this meta-analysis, and all of the patients were administered CZP or placebo. The pooled results showed that CZP significantly improved the ACR20, ACR50, ACR70 response rates, and physical function. CZP was associated with a statistically significant reduction in Disease Activity Score in 28 joints-Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, arthritis pain, and fatigue. Patients who received CZP treatment did not have a higher incidence of treatment-related adverse events, no matter in any intensity. CONCLUSIONS CZP 200 or 400mg in the treatment of active RA significantly reduced the RA signs and symptoms, and improved physical function as compared with the placebo. More large-scale RCTs are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of CZP in the treatment of active RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Yaodong Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Hao Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Zhibing Tang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Jiangsu 215021, China
| | - Jinlian Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine Jiangsu 215021, China
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Huizinga TWJ, Conaghan PG, Martin-Mola E, Schett G, Amital H, Xavier RM, Troum O, Aassi M, Bernasconi C, Dougados M. Clinical and radiographic outcomes at 2 years and the effect of tocilizumab discontinuation following sustained remission in the second and third year of the ACT-RAY study. Ann Rheum Dis 2014; 74:35-43. [PMID: 25169728 PMCID: PMC4283697 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2014-205752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (TCZ) plus methotrexate/placebo (MTX/PBO) over 2 years and the course of disease activity in patients who discontinued TCZ due to sustained remission. Methods ACT-RAY was a double-blind 3-year trial. Patients with active rheumatoid arthritis despite MTX were randomised to add TCZ to ongoing MTX (add-on strategy) or switch to TCZ plus PBO (switch strategy). Using a treat-to-target approach, open-label conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), other than MTX, were added from week 24 if Disease Activity Score in 28 joints based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) >3.2. Between weeks 52 and 104, patients in sustained clinical remission (DAS28-ESR <2.6 at two consecutive visits 12 weeks apart) discontinued TCZ and were assessed every 4 weeks for 1 year. If sustained remission was maintained, added csDMARDs, then MTX/PBO, were discontinued. Results Of the 556 randomised patients, 76% completed year 2. Of patients entering year 2, 50.4% discontinued TCZ after achieving sustained remission and 5.9% achieved drug-free remission. Most patients who discontinued TCZ (84.0%) had a subsequent flare, but responded well to TCZ reintroduction. Despite many patients temporarily stopping TCZ, radiographic progression was minimal, with differences favouring add-on treatment. Rates of serious adverse events and serious infections per 100 patient-years were 12.2 and 4.4 in add-on and 15.0 and 3.7 in switch patients. In patients with normal baseline values, alanine aminotransferase elevations >3×upper limit of normal were more frequent in add-on (14.3%) versus switch patients (5.4%). Conclusions Treat-to-target strategies could be successfully implemented with TCZ to achieve sustained remission, after which TCZ was stopped. Biologic-free remission was maintained for about 3 months, but most patients eventually flared. TCZ restart led to rapid improvement. Trial registration number NCT00810199.
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Affiliation(s)
- T W J Huizinga
- Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Philip G Conaghan
- NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Unit, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Emilio Martin-Mola
- Department of Rheumatology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Howard Amital
- Department of Medicine 'B', Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ricardo M Xavier
- Division of Rheumatology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Orrin Troum
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | | | | | - Maxime Dougados
- Rheumatology B Department, Paris-Descartes University, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
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