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Kluijver LG, Nekouei Shahraki M, Wagenmakers MAEM, Hanssen BE, Kuerten V, Schelonke K, Homey B, Langendonk JG. The effects of cholecalciferol and afamelanotide on vitamin D levels in erythropoietic protoporphyria: a multicentre cohort study. Br J Dermatol 2024; 191:357-364. [PMID: 38634774 DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljae148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria experience lifelong painful photosensitivity resulting in a lack of sunlight exposure. Previous studies have shown that 47-63% of patients with EPP suffer from vitamin D deficiency and a high prevalence of osteoporosis. An effective treatment for EPP has been available since 2016: the α-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogue afamelanotide. So far, studies on vitamin D levels in EPP have only investigated patients who have not been treated with afamelanotide. OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of afamelanotide treatment on vitamin D levels in EPP. METHODS A multicentre observational cohort study in adults with EPP from the Erasmus Medical Centre, the Netherlands, and the University Hospital Düsseldorf, Germany, was carried out. Routinely collected vitamin D levels between 2005 and 2021 were used for analysis. Patient exposure to cholecalciferol or afamelanotide was categorized into four treatment groups: untreated, cholecalciferol, afamelanotide and combined treatment. A linear mixed model for longitudinal data was applied to measure the effect of the treatment groups compared with the untreated groups on vitamin D levels. RESULTS A total of 230 patients and 1774 vitamin D measurements were included. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and severe deficiency remained high despite afamelanotide treatment (< 50 nmol L-1 in 71.8% of patients and < 30 nmol L-1 in 48.1%, respectively). Afamelanotide treatment alone did not lead to a significant average increase in vitamin D levels [β = 0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.2 to 4.2]. In contrast, cholecalciferol and combined therapy with afamelanotide led to a significant increase in vitamin D levels [β = 11.6 (95% CI 7.2-15.9) and β = 15.2 (95% CI 12.3-18.1), respectively]. CONCLUSIONS Cholecalciferol remains essential for the treatment of vitamin D deficiency in EPP, irrespective of new treatment options like afamelanotide. Afamelanotide treatment did not affect vitamin D levels. We suggest that future guidelines include continuous monitoring of vitamin D and a prescription for cholecalciferol in all patients with EPP, including those treated with afamelanotide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa G Kluijver
- Porphyria Centre Rotterdam, Centre for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mitra Nekouei Shahraki
- Porphyria Centre Rotterdam, Centre for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Margreet A E M Wagenmakers
- Porphyria Centre Rotterdam, Centre for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bettina E Hanssen
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Viola Kuerten
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schelonke
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bernhard Homey
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Janneke G Langendonk
- Porphyria Centre Rotterdam, Centre for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Kluijver LG, Wensink D, Wagenmakers MAEM, Huidekoper HH, Witters P, Rymen D, Langendonk JG. Quality of life in children with erythropoietic protoporphyria: a case-control study. J Dermatol 2024; 51:1068-1078. [PMID: 38923596 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.17348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an inherited metabolic disease that causes painful phototoxic reactions, starting in childhood. Studies have shown a reduced quality of life (QoL) in adults with EPP, however, data on children with the disease are lacking. Since treatment for EPP is currently not registered for children, knowledge about their QoL is of crucial importance. In this prospective, case-control study, we included children from the Netherlands and Belgium diagnosed with EPP and matched to healthy controls. Previously collected EPP quality of life (EPP-QoL) data from matched adults with EPP were used. QoL scores, utilizing the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and the disease-specific EPP-QoL, were collected. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating a higher QoL. Non-parametric tests were used to compare groups. A total of 15 cases, 13 matched healthy control children, and 15 matched adults with EPP were included. Children with EPP exhibited lower median scores in the PedsQL in both physical (cases: 87.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 77.7-96.1), controls: 99.2 [IQR 94.9-100.0], p = 0.03) and social (cases: 77.5 [IQR 69.4-86.3], controls: 97.5 [IQR 78.8-100.0], p = 0.04) domains compared to healthy children, although these differences were not statistically significant after correcting for multiple testing. The overall median EPP-QoL score for children was similar to adults with EPP (children: 44.4 [IQR 25.0-54.2], adults: 45.8 [IQR 25.7-68.1], p = 0.68). However, within the EPP-QoL subdomain on QoL, children were found to have significantly lower median scores (children: 16.7 [IQR 0.0-33.3], adults: 33.3 [IQR 33.3-62.5], p < 0.01). In conclusion, children with EPP experience a reduced QoL compared to both healthy children and adults with EPP. Ensuring treatment availability for this patient group is crucial for improving their QoL. We advocate the inclusion of children in safety and efficacy studies, to ensure availability of treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa G Kluijver
- Department of Internal Medicine, Porphyria Center Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Debby Wensink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Porphyria Center Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet A E M Wagenmakers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Porphyria Center Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hidde H Huidekoper
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Witters
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Metabolic Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daisy Rymen
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Metabolic Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Janneke G Langendonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Porphyria Center Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Diseases, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Minder AE, Kluijver LG, Barman-Aksözen J, Minder EI, Langendonk JG. Erythropoietic protoporphyrias: Pathogenesis, diagnosis and management. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 39011756 DOI: 10.1111/liv.16027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The erythropoietic protoporphyrias consist of three ultra-rare genetic disorders of the erythroid heme biosynthesis, including erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP1), X-linked protoporphyria (XLEPP) and CLPX-protoporphyria (EPP2), which all lead to the accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in erythrocytes. Affected patients usually present from early childhood with episodes of severe phototoxic pain in the skin exposed to visible light. The quantification of PPIX in erythrocytes with a metal-free PPIX ≥3 times the upper limit of normal confirms the diagnosis. Protoporphyria-related complications include liver failure, gallstones, mild anaemia and vitamin D deficiency with reduced bone mineral density. The management is focused on preventing phototoxic reactions and treating the complications. Vitamin D should be supplemented, and DEXA scans in adults should be considered. In EPP1, even in cases of biochemically determined iron deficiency, supplementation of iron may stimulate PPIX production, resulting in an increase in photosensitivity and the risk of cholestatic liver disease. However, for patients with XLEPP, iron supplementation can reduce PPIX levels, phototoxicity and liver damage. Because of its rarity, there is little data on the management of EPP-related liver disease. As a first measure, any hepatotoxins should be eliminated. Depending on the severity of the liver disease, phlebotomies, exchange transfusions and ultimately liver transplantation with subsequent haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are therapeutic options, whereby multidisciplinary management including porphyria experts is mandatory. Afamelanotide, an alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue, is currently the only approved specific treatment that increases pain-free sunlight exposure and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Elisabeth Minder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Porphyria, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Louisa G Kluijver
- Department of Internal Medicine, Porphyria Center Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasmin Barman-Aksözen
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth I Minder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Porphyria, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Stadtspital Zürich Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janneke G Langendonk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Porphyria Center Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Poli A, Schmitt C, Puy H, Talbi N, Lefebvre T, Gouya L. Erythropoietic protoporphyrias: updates and advances. Trends Mol Med 2024:S1471-4914(24)00128-X. [PMID: 38890030 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Protoporphyrias are caused by pathogenic variants in genes encoding enzymes involved in heme biosynthesis. They induce the accumulation of a hydrophobic phototoxic compound, protoporphyrin (PPIX), in red blood cells (RBCs). PPIX is responsible for painful cutaneous photosensitivity, which severely impairs quality of life. Hepatic elimination of PPIX increases the risk of cholestatic liver disease, requiring lifelong monitoring. Treatment options are scarce and mainly limited to supportive care such as protection from visible light. Here, we review the pathophysiology of protoporphyrias, their diagnosis, and current recommendations for medical care. We discuss new therapeutic strategies, some of which are currently undergoing clinical trials and are likely to radically alter the severity of the disease in the years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Poli
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Porphyries, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Colombes, France; Laboratory of excellence Gr-Ex, Paris, France.
| | - Caroline Schmitt
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Porphyries, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Colombes, France; Laboratory of excellence Gr-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Hervé Puy
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Porphyries, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Colombes, France; Laboratory of excellence Gr-Ex, Paris, France
| | - Neila Talbi
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France
| | - Thibaud Lefebvre
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France
| | - Laurent Gouya
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Porphyries, Hôpital Louis Mourier, Colombes, France; Laboratory of excellence Gr-Ex, Paris, France
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Leaf RK, Naik H, Jiang PY, Elmariah SB, Hodges P, Mead J, Trinidad J, Saberi B, Tran B, Valiante S, Mernick F, Leaf DE, Anderson KE, Dickey AK. Afamelanotide for Treatment of the Protoporphyrias: Impact on Quality of Life and Laboratory Parameters in a US Cohort. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:689. [PMID: 38929673 PMCID: PMC11204624 DOI: 10.3390/life14060689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) are rare disorders of heme biosynthesis characterized by severe cutaneous phototoxicity. Afamelanotide, an α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analogue, is the only approved treatment for protoporphyria and leads to increased light tolerance and improved quality of life (QoL). However, published experience with afamelanotide in the US is limited. METHODS Here, we report on all adults who received at least one dose of afamelanotide at the Massachusetts General Hospital Porphyria Center from 2021 to 2022. Changes in the time to phototoxic symptom onset, QoL, and laboratory parameters were assessed before and during treatment with afamelanotide. RESULTS A total of 29 patients with protoporphyria were included, 26 of whom (72.2%) received ≥2 afamelanotide implants. Among the patients who received ≥2 implants, the median time to symptom onset following sunlight exposure was 12.5 min (IQR, 5-20) prior to the initiation of afamelanotide and 120 min (IQR, 60-240) after treatment (p < 0.001). Improvements in QoL during afamelanotide treatment were measured using two QoL tools, with good correlation observed between these two instruments. Finally, we found no improvements in the median levels of metal-free erythrocyte protoporphyrin, plasma protoporphyrin, or liver biochemistries during versus prior to the initiation of afamelanotide treatment. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights a dramatic clinical benefit of afamelanotide in relation to light tolerance and QoL in protoporphyria, albeit without improvement in protoporphyrin levels or measures of liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca K. Leaf
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (P.H.); (J.M.)
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.T.); (B.S.); (D.E.L.)
| | - Hetanshi Naik
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Paul Y. Jiang
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (P.Y.J.); (B.T.)
| | - Sarina B. Elmariah
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Department of Dermatology, University California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Pamela Hodges
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (P.H.); (J.M.)
| | - Jennifer Mead
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (P.H.); (J.M.)
| | - John Trinidad
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.T.); (B.S.); (D.E.L.)
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Behnam Saberi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.T.); (B.S.); (D.E.L.)
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Benny Tran
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (P.Y.J.); (B.T.)
| | - Sarah Valiante
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.V.); (F.M.)
| | - Francesca Mernick
- Department of Pharmacy, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (S.V.); (F.M.)
| | - David E. Leaf
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.T.); (B.S.); (D.E.L.)
- Division of Renal Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karl E. Anderson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA;
| | - Amy K. Dickey
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (J.T.); (B.S.); (D.E.L.)
- Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA; (P.Y.J.); (B.T.)
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Barman-Aksözen J, Hentschel N, Pettersson M, Schupp E, Granata F, Dechant C, Aksözen MH, Falchetto R. Fair Funding Decisions: Consistency of the Time Horizons Used in the Calculation of Quality-Adjusted Life Years for Therapies for Very Rare Diseases by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:616. [PMID: 38791830 PMCID: PMC11121024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in England uses quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) to assess the cost-effectiveness of treatments. A QALY is a measure that combines the size of the clinical benefit of a treatment with the time the patient benefits from it, i.e., the time horizon. We wanted to know how consistently QALY gains are calculated at NICE. Therefore, we have analysed information on the time horizons used for the QALY calculations of the concluded evaluations conducted under the Highly Specialised Technologies programme for treatments of very rare diseases at NICE. For treatments with final guidance published by December 2023 (n = 29), a time horizon of median 97.5 years (range: 35 to 125 years) was used to calculate the QALY gains. For most QALY calculations, the accepted time horizon was longer than either the expected treatment duration or the estimated life expectancy. In contrast, for the only technology with a final negative funding decision, i.e., afamelanotide for treating the lifelong chronic disease erythropoietic protoporphyria, a time horizon that was shorter than the expected treatment duration was used. The fairness and consistency of the evaluation process of treatments for very rare diseases at NICE should be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Barman-Aksözen
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicole Hentschel
- Independent Researcher, Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mårten Pettersson
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eva Schupp
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Granata
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, S.C Medicina ad Indirizzo Metabolico, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Cornelia Dechant
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mehmet Hakan Aksözen
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Rocco Falchetto
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), Hegarstrasse 3, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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Polańska A, Wegner J, Nutbohm P, Staubach P, Żaba R, Dańczak-Pazdrowska A, Jenerowicz D. Afamelanotide in protoporphyria and other skin diseases: a review. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2024; 41:149-154. [PMID: 38784937 PMCID: PMC11110213 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2024.138818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Afamelanotide is a synthetic alpha melanocyte stimulating hormone presenting a higher activity than natural hormones. Its main properties are related to the enhanced production of eumelanin by agonistically binding to the melanocortin-1 receptor. Since 2016 afamelanotide has been especially applied to treat cases of erythropoietic porphyria (EPP), where painful photosensitivity has been observed since early childhood. The positive effect of afamelanotide in EPP administered subcutaneously improved tolerance to artificial white light and increased pain-free time spent in direct sunlight. In this review we summarize the possible use of afamelanotide in dermatology, with special emphasis on EPP and encourage including afamelanotide as a treatment option in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Polańska
- Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Joanna Wegner
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Paula Nutbohm
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Petra Staubach
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ryszard Żaba
- Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Dorota Jenerowicz
- Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
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Mathias SD, Burke L, Colwell HH, Mensing G, Savage W, Naik H. Development and Content Validation of Novel Patient-Reported Outcome Measures to Assess Disease Severity and Change in Patients with Erythropoietic Protoporphyria: The EPP Impact Questionnaire (EPIQ). Patient Relat Outcome Meas 2024; 15:17-30. [PMID: 38375415 PMCID: PMC10875163 DOI: 10.2147/prom.s438892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a rare inherited disorder, presents in early childhood with severe, painful phototoxicity, with significant impacts on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Previous studies have not captured all concepts important to patients. Therefore, this study sought to develop a novel, comprehensive, and content valid patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure to assess the efficacy of new therapies. Patients and Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with EPP participants and clinical experts to obtain views on concepts relevant to patients. Results informed the development of novel PROs, which were debriefed during subsequent combined concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing interviews. Results Twenty-three interviews were conducted with 17 adults and 6 adolescents with EPP. Concept elicitation revealed that participants experienced many symptoms with significant variability. The most common were burning, pain, swelling, and tingling. Tingling was the most common prodromal symptom, while burning was the most bothersome, and pain was the worst full reaction symptom. Participants reported being negatively impacted in their ability to do daily activities, and social and emotional functioning. Many reported impacted ability to work and be productive at their job. Participants reviewed and completed the newly developed PRO measures assessing full reactions and ability to do activities, as well as items to assess severity and change in severity of prodromal symptoms, full reactions, and EPP overall. All measures were found to be comprehensive, clear, and relevant. Conclusion PRO measures are needed to assess important aspects of HRQoL and evaluate therapeutic response. These PRO measures are unique in assessing overall severity and change in EPP.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hetanshi Naik
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Abstract
The porphyrias are a group of rare diseases, each resulting from a defect in a different enzymatic step of the heme biosynthetic pathway. They can be broadly divided into two categories, hepatic and erythropoietic porphyrias, depending on the primary site of accumulation of heme intermediates. These disorders are multisystemic with variable symptoms that can be encountered by physicians in any specialty. Here, we review the porphyrias and describe their clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management. We discuss novel therapies that are approved or in development. Early diagnosis is key for the appropriate management and prevention of long-term complications in these rare disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Dickey
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rebecca Karp Leaf
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Manisha Balwani
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA;
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10
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Larose H, Lee M, Grueger J, Anota A, Naïditch N, Falissard B, Di Palma M, Chassany O, Khalfallah-Neelz L, Palazuelos-Muñoz S, Tetafort A. Opportunities to improve the adoption of health-related quality of life evidence as part of the French Health Technology Assessment process. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:137. [PMID: 38115078 PMCID: PMC10729510 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-01081-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patient's health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important outcome measure that is considered by many payers and health technology assessment (HTA) bodies in the evaluation of treatments. We aimed to identify opportunities for HRQoL to be further incorporated into the assessment of the French HTA by comparing three health systems. We put forward recommendations that could bring further innovations to French patients. METHODS We reviewed methodologies by the French, German and British HTA, and conducted a systematic review of all French (n = 312) and German (n = 175) HTA appraisals from 01 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. We also setup an advisory board of 11 ex-HTA leaders, payers, methodologists, healthcare providers and patient advocates, from France, Britain and Germany, to discuss opportunities to improve acceptance and adoption of HRQoL evidence in France. RESULTS Our systematic review of HTA appraisals showed a higher HRQoL data rejection rate in France: in > 75% of cases the HRQoL evidence submitted was not accepted for the assessment (usually for methodological reasons, for example, data being considered exploratory; 16-75% of the appraisals mentioned HRQoL evidence, varying by therapeutic area). Overall, we found the French HTA to be more restrictive in its approach than IQWiG. CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings we articulate collaborative proposals for industry and the HAS to improve acceptance of HRQoL evidence and create a positive feedback loop between HAS and industry along four dimensions (1) patient perception, (2) testing hierarchy, (3) trial design and (4) data collection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Larose
- The Boston Consulting Group, 80 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 4QS, United Kingdom.
| | - Myrto Lee
- The Boston Consulting Group, 80 Charlotte Street, London, W1T 4QS, United Kingdom
| | - Jens Grueger
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- The Boston Consulting Group, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Amélie Anota
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovation and Department of Human and Social Sciences, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - Mario Di Palma
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Center, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, France
| | - Olivier Chassany
- Health Economics Clinical Trial Unit (URC-ECO), Hôpital Hotel-Dieu, AP-HP, Paris, France
- Patient-Reported Outcomes Research Unit (PROQOL), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
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11
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Li Q, Chen X, Wang H, Tuo B, Zhou Z, Yang L. A case of erythrogenic protoporphyria with thyrotoxicosis and liver dysfunction in an adult female. ZHONG NAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF CENTRAL SOUTH UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 48:1769-1774. [PMID: 38432869 PMCID: PMC10929955 DOI: 10.11817/j.issn.1672-7347.2023.230242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an inherited metabolic disease caused by the deficiency in ferrochelatase (FECH) encoded by the FECH gene, and it is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. EPP usually produces acute pain photosensitivity after exposure to sunlight in infancy or early childhood, and liver failure is the most serious associated complication. This article reported an adult female case of EPP complicated with thyrotoxicosis and liver dysfunction which is a rare condition. The patient's liver function improved after liver protection treatment, her thyroid function returned to normal, and her EPP symptoms improved significantly. Moreover, the c.286C>T gene mutation may be the pathogenic locus of EPP. For patients with abnormal liver function, the possibility of EPP should be considered after the common causes are excluded, and FECH gene detection should be done to confirm the diagnosis in time. When EPP is associated with thyrotoxicosis and liver dysfunction, priority may be given to hepatoprotective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563000.
| | - Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563000
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563000.
| | - Biguang Tuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563000
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Tissue Damage Repair and Regeneration Medicine of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563000
| | - Zunlan Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Guizhou Aerospace Hospital, Zunyi Guizhou 563000, China
| | - Lina Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Digestive Disease Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi Guizhou 563000
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12
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Chang CL, Cai Z, Hsu SYT. A gel-forming α-MSH analog promotes lasting melanogenesis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 958:176008. [PMID: 37673364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The α-MSH peptide plays a significant role in the regulation of pigmentation via the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). It increases the DNA repair capacity of melanocytes and reduces the incidence of skin cancers. As such, α-MSH analogs could have the utility for protecting against UV-induced skin DNA damage in susceptible patients. Recently, α-MSH analogs have been approved for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria, hypoactive sexual desire, or pediatric obesity. However, the delivery of these drugs requires inconvenient implants or frequent injections. We recently found that select palmitoylated melanocortin analogs such as afamelanotide and adrenocorticotropin peptides self-assemble to form liquid gels in situ. To explore the utility of these novel analogs, we studied their pharmacological characteristics in vitro and in vivo. Acylated afamelanotide (DDE 313) and ACTH1-24 (DDE314) analogs form liquid gels at 6-20% and have a significantly increased viscosity at >2.5% compared to original analogs. Using the DDE313 analog as a prototype, we showed gel-formation reduces the passage of DDE313 through Centricon filters, and subcutaneous injection of analog gel in rats leads to the sustained presence of the peptide in circulation for >12 days. In addition, DDE313 darkened the skin of frogs for >4 weeks, whereas those injected with an equivalent dose of afamelanotide lost the tanning response within a few days. Because self-assembled gels allow sustained activation of melanocortin receptors, further studies of these analogs may allow the development of effective and convenient tanning therapies to prophylactically protect against UV-induced malignant transformation of skin cells in susceptible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia Lin Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Zheqing Cai
- CL Laboratory LLC, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, United States
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13
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Stanislaus V, Kam A, Murphy L, Wolgen P, Walker G, Bilbao P, Cloud GC. A feasibility and safety study of afamelanotide in acute stroke patients - an open label, proof of concept, phase iia clinical trial. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:281. [PMID: 37496004 PMCID: PMC10373257 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03338-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroprotective agents have the potential to improve the outcomes of revascularisation therapies in acute ischemic stroke patients (AIS) and in those unable to receive revascularisation. Afamelanotide, a synthetic α-melanocyte stimulating hormone analogue, is a potential novel neuroprotective agent. We set out to assess the feasibility and safety of afamelanotide for the first time in AIS patients. METHODS AIS patients within 24 h of onset, with perfusion abnormality on imaging (Tmax) and otherwise ineligible for revascularisation therapies were enrolled. Afamelanotide 16 mg implants were administered subcutaneously on Day 0 (D0, day of recruitment), D1 and repeated on D7 and D8, if not well recovered. Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) and neurological assessments were recorded regularly up to D42. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with FLAIR sequences were also performed on D3 and D9. RESULTS Six patients (5 women, median age 81, median NIHSS 6) were recruited. Two patients received 4 doses and four patients received 2. One patient (who received 2 doses), suffered a fatal recurrent stroke on D9 due to a known complete acute internal carotid artery occlusion, assessed as unrelated to the study drug. There were no other local or major systemic TEAEs recorded. In all surviving patients, the median NIHSS improved from 6 to 2 on D7. The median Tmax volume on D0 was 23 mL which was reduced to a FLAIR volume of 10 mL on D3 and 4 mL on D9. CONCLUSIONS Afamelanotide was well tolerated and safe in our small sample of AIS patients. It also appears to be associated with good recovery and radiological improvement of salvageable tissue which needs to be tested in randomized studies. CLINICALTRIALS GOV IDENTIFIER NCT04962503, First posted 15/07/2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vimal Stanislaus
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Gill Walker
- CLINUVEL Pharmaceuticals, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Geoffrey C Cloud
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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14
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Barman-Aksözen J, Langendonk JG. Dersimelagon in Erythropoietic Protoporphyrias. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:2492. [PMID: 37379150 DOI: 10.1056/nejmc2305601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
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15
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Minder AE, Schneider-Yin X, Zulewski H, Minder CE, Minder EI. Afamelanotide Is Associated with Dose-Dependent Protective Effect from Liver Damage Related to Erythropoietic Protoporphyria. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13041066. [PMID: 37109595 PMCID: PMC10143433 DOI: 10.3390/life13041066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In animal models, melanocyte-stimulating hormones (MSHs) protect the liver from various injuries. Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), a metabolic disorder, leads to the accumulation of protoporphyrin (PPIX). In addition to the most prominent symptom of incapacitating phototoxic skin reactions, 20% of EPP patients exhibit disturbed liver functioning and 4% experience terminal liver failure caused by the hepatobiliary elimination of excess PPIX. Skin symptoms are mitigated through the application of the controlled-release implant afamelanotide, an α-MSH analog, every sixty days. Recently, we showed that liver function tests (LFTs) improved during afamelanotide treatment when compared to before treatment. The present study investigated whether this effect is dose-dependent, as the evidence of dose dependency would support a beneficial influence of afamelanotide. METHODS In this retrospective observational study, we included 2933 liver-function tests, 1186 PPIX concentrations and 1659 afamelanotide implant applications in 70 EPP patients. We investigated whether the number of days since the preceding afamelanotide dose or the number of doses during the preceding 365 days had an effect on LFTs and PPIX levels. In addition, we assessed the effect of global radiation. RESULTS Inter-patient differences exerted the most prominent effect on PPIX and LFTs. In addition, PPIX increased significantly with an increase in the number of days since the last afamelanotide implant (p < 0.0001). ALAT and bilirubin decreased significantly with an increasing number of afamelanotide doses in the preceding 365 days (p = 0.012, p = 0.0299, respectively). Global radiation only influenced PPIX (p = 0.0113). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that afamelanotide ameliorates both PPIX concentrations and LFTs in EPP in a dose-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Elisabeth Minder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Porphyria and Clinical Nutrition, Stadtspital Zürich, Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Stadtspital Zürich, Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xiaoye Schneider-Yin
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Stadtspital Zürich, Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Stadtspital Zürich, Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Henryk Zulewski
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Porphyria and Clinical Nutrition, Stadtspital Zürich, Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering (D-BSSE), ETH, 8092 Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, 4001 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph E Minder
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth I Minder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, Porphyria and Clinical Nutrition, Stadtspital Zürich, Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Stadtspital Zürich, Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Ceresnie MS, Mohney L, Ko D, Lim HW, Mohammad TF. Association of quality of life measures with afamelanotide treatment in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria and x-linked protoporphyria: A retrospective cohort study. J Am Acad Dermatol 2023; 88:880-882. [PMID: 36244556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa S Ceresnie
- Department of Dermatology, Photomedicine and Photobiology Unit, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Lindsey Mohney
- University Hospitals Regional Hospitals, Richmond Heights, Ohio
| | - Dayoung Ko
- Department of Dermatology, Photomedicine and Photobiology Unit, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Henry W Lim
- Department of Dermatology, Photomedicine and Photobiology Unit, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Tasneem F Mohammad
- Department of Dermatology, Photomedicine and Photobiology Unit, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, Michigan.
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17
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Barman-Aksözen J, Minder AE, Granata F, Pettersson M, Dechant C, Aksözen MH, Falchetto R. Quality-Adjusted Life Years in Erythropoietic Protoporphyria and Other Rare Diseases: A Patient-Initiated EQ-5D Feasibility Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5296. [PMID: 37047912 PMCID: PMC10094018 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an ultra-rare inborn error of metabolism characterised by painful phototoxic burn injuries after short exposure times to visible light. Patients with EPP are highly adapted to their condition which makes the quantification of their health-related quality of life (QoL) challenging. In the presented patient-initiated feasibility study, we describe a new approach to assess treatment benefits in EPP by measuring QoL with the generic EQ-5D instrument in five patients under long-term (≥two years) treatment with afamelanotide, the first approved therapy for EPP. For the study, we selected patients with EPP who in addition were affected by an involuntary treatment interruption (caused by a temporary reimbursement suspension) because we hypothesized that individuals who had previously unlearned their adaptation are better able to assess their life without treatment than treatment-naïve patients. QoL under treatment was comparable to the age-matched population norm, and retrospective results for a treatment interruption and phototoxic reaction time point were comparable to the QoL of patients with chronic neuropathic pain and acute burn injuries, respectively. The results were accepted by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in England for their evaluation of the cost-effectiveness of afamelanotide, i.e., the calculation of quality-adjusted life years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Barman-Aksözen
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Municipal Hospital Zurich Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Municipal Hospital Zurich Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna-Elisabeth Minder
- Swiss Reference Centre for Porphyrias, Municipal Hospital Zurich Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
- Division for Endocrinology, Diabetology and Porphyria, Municipal Hospital Zurich Triemli, 8063 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Francesca Granata
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, S.C Medicine and Metabolic Disorders, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Mårten Pettersson
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cornelia Dechant
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Rocco Falchetto
- International Porphyria Patient Network (IPPN), 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
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18
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Experimental and approved treatments for skin photosensitivity in individuals with erythropoietic protoporphyria or X-linked protoporphyria: A systematic review. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114132. [PMID: 36525819 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) are characterized by skin photosensitivity caused by accumulation of protoporphyrin IX. We aimed to review the clinical evidence of efficacy and safety of skin photosensitivity treatments in individuals with EPP or XLP. We systematically searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov. A total of 40 studies with data on 18 treatment modalities were included. Comprehensive treatment safety data were obtained from the European Medicines Agency and the United States Food and Drug Administration. The studies used different outcome measures to evaluate the sensitivity without a generally accepted method to assess treatment effect on skin photosensitivity. Of the included studies, 13 were controlled trials. Gathered, the trials showed moderate positive effect of inorganic sunscreen application and subcutaneous implant of afamelanotide and no effect of organic sunscreen application, or oral treatment with beta-carotene, cysteine, N-acetylcysteine, vitamin C, or warfarin. Studies without control groups suggested treatment effect of foundation cream, dihydroxyacetone/lawsone cream, narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy, erythrocyte transfusion, extracorporeal erythrocyte photodynamic therapy, or oral treatment with zinc sulphate, terfenadine, cimetidine, or canthaxanthin, but the real effect is uncertain. Assessment of treatment effect on photosensitivity in patients with EPP or XLP carries a high risk of bias since experienced photosensitivity varies with both weather conditions, exposure pattern, and pigmentation. Controlled trials of promising treatment options are important although challenging in this small patient population.
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Psychological Aspect and Quality of Life in Porphyrias: A Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051193. [PMID: 35626348 PMCID: PMC9140101 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) describes “health” as a state of physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Therefore, a biopsychosocial approach should be considered as an integral part of patients’ management. In this review, we summarize the available data starting from 1986 on the biological, psychological, and social aspects of porphyrias in order to provide a useful tool for clinicians about the missing knowledge within this field. Porphyrias are a group of rare metabolic disorders affecting the heme biosynthetic pathway and can be categorized into hepatic and erythropoietic. Here, a total of 20 articles reporting the psychological and the quality of life (QoL) data of porphyria patients affected by acute hepatic porphyrias (AHPs), Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT), and Erythropoietic Protoporphyria (EPP) were analyzed. These 13 articles include reported quantitative methods using questionnaires, while the reaming articles employed qualitative descriptive approaches through direct interviews with patients by psychology professionals. We conclude that the use of questionnaires limits the complete description of all areas of a patient’s life compared to a direct interview with specialists. However, only a combined use of these methods could be the best approach for the correct disorder management.
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20
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Wensink D, Coenen S, Wilson JHP, Wagenmakers MAEM, Langendonk JG. Liver involvement in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:515-520. [PMID: 34475006 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), which presents with severe painful phototoxicity, progressive deposition of protoporphyrins in hepatocytes and bile canaliculi may result in liver disease. Clinically EPP related liver disease ranges from mildly elevated liver enzymes to cirrhosis and acute cholestatic hepatic failure. The prevalence of liver disease in EPP, and factors predicting the risk of developing liver disease, have not been defined in a large series of unselected EPP patients. AIM To determine the prevalence of liver disease in EPP-patients. METHODS A single-center prospective unselected cohort study of 114 adult EPP patients, who underwent routine laboratory testing, abdominal ultrasonography and transient elastography to assess the presence of steatosis (controlled attenuation parameter,dB/m) and liver stiffness (kPa). RESULTS 114 adult EPP patients were included. Elevated liver enzymes were found in 6.2% of the patients. Liver steatosis was detected in 29.0%, and significant fibrosis as assessed with liver stiffness measurements was present in 9.6% of patients. BMI positively predicted CAP-values (p = 0.026); and protoporphyrin IX levels (p = 0.043) positively predicted liver stiffness. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a prevalence of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in adult EPP-patients comparable to that found in the general population. Protoporphyrin IX levels correlate with increased liver stiffness in EPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Wensink
- Porphyria Expertcenter Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Sandra Coenen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - J H Paul Wilson
- Porphyria Expertcenter Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Margreet A E M Wagenmakers
- Porphyria Expertcenter Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Janneke G Langendonk
- Porphyria Expertcenter Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015, GD, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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21
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Wensink D, Wagenmakers MAEM, Qi H, Wilson JHP, Langendonk JG. Objective light exposure measurements and circadian rhythm in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria: A case-control study. Mol Genet Metab 2022; 135:215-220. [PMID: 35034844 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2021.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) patients suffer from painful phototoxicity. Sunlight-avoiding behaviour has not yet been quantified objectively in EPP patients. OBJECTIVE To study total white light exposure obtained with an actigraph device, before and during afamelanotide treatment, in EPP patients compared to healthy controls. Effects on circadian rhythm, pain and sleep were also investigated. METHODS Adult EPP patients visiting the Porphyria Center Rotterdam of the Erasmus MC were included in this single-center longitudinal case-control open-label intervention study. Controls were age and place of residence matched. Participants wore an actigraph (Actiwatch Pro) during two weeks for multiple periods. Afamelanotide was given to EPP patients as part of standard care. RESULTS Twenty-six EPP patients and 23 matched controls participated. Controls were statistically significantly more exposed to white light than EPP patients off treatment during autumn (95.4%), spring (69.9%), and summer (105.4%; p = 0.01). EPP patients on afamelanotide treatment had 71.6% more light exposure during spring compared to EPP patients off treatment (p < 0.01). Afamelanotide treatment resulted in a reduction of painful moments in the morning (6.5% decrease) and the evening (8.1% decrease; p < 0.05). Bedtime differed between EPP patients off treatment, controls and EPP patients on treatment (23:45 h ± 1:51 versus 23:02 ± 1:41 and 23:14 ± 1:29, respectively; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Actigraphy is a useful method to objectively measure white light exposure and treatment effects in EPP. In EPP patients afamelanotide treatment is associated with increased white light exposure during spring, and overall less pain. Treatment with afamelanotide is also associated with normalization of circadian rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Wensink
- Porphyria Expertcenter Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Margreet A E M Wagenmakers
- Porphyria Expertcenter Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Hongchao Qi
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - J H Paul Wilson
- Porphyria Expertcenter Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Janneke G Langendonk
- Porphyria Expertcenter Rotterdam, Center for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Di Pierro E, Granata F, De Canio M, Rossi M, Ricci A, Marcacci M, De Luca G, Sarno L, Barbieri L, Ventura P, Graziadei G. Recognized and Emerging Features of Erythropoietic and X-Linked Protoporphyria. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12010151. [PMID: 35054318 PMCID: PMC8775248 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12010151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) and X-linked protoporphyria (XLP) are inherited disorders resulting from defects in two different enzymes of the heme biosynthetic pathway, i.e., ferrochelatase (FECH) and delta-aminolevulinic acid synthase-2 (ALAS2), respectively. The ubiquitous FECH catalyzes the insertion of iron into the protoporphyrin ring to generate the final product, heme. After hemoglobinization, FECH can utilize other metals like zinc to bind the remainder of the protoporphyrin molecules, leading to the formation of zinc protoporphyrin. Therefore, FECH deficiency in EPP limits the formation of both heme and zinc protoporphyrin molecules. The erythroid-specific ALAS2 catalyses the synthesis of delta-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), from the union of glycine and succinyl-coenzyme A, in the first step of the pathway in the erythron. In XLP, ALAS2 activity increases, resulting in the amplified formation of ALA, and iron becomes the rate-limiting factor for heme synthesis in the erythroid tissue. Both EPP and XLP lead to the systemic accumulation of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) in blood, erythrocytes, and tissues causing the major symptom of cutaneous photosensitivity and several other less recognized signs that need to be considered. Although significant advances have been made in our understanding of EPP and XLP in recent years, a complete understanding of the factors governing the variability in clinical expression and the severity (progression) of the disease remains elusive. The present review provides an overview of both well-established facts and the latest findings regarding these rare diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Di Pierro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.G.); (G.D.L.); (G.G.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +39-0255036155
| | - Francesca Granata
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.G.); (G.D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Michele De Canio
- Porphyria and Rare Diseases Centre, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.D.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Mariateresa Rossi
- Department of Dermatology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Andrea Ricci
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science for Children and Adults, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (M.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Matteo Marcacci
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science for Children and Adults, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (M.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Giacomo De Luca
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.G.); (G.D.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Luisa Sarno
- Department of Dermatology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy; (M.R.); (L.S.)
| | - Luca Barbieri
- Porphyria and Rare Diseases Centre, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute IRCCS, 00144 Rome, Italy; (M.D.C.); (L.B.)
| | - Paolo Ventura
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science for Children and Adults, University of Modena e Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (A.R.); (M.M.); (P.V.)
| | - Giovanna Graziadei
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (F.G.); (G.D.L.); (G.G.)
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Noyman Y, Edel Y, Snast I, Sherman S, Kaftory R, Lapidoth M, Mimouni D, Hodak E, Levi A. Inherited genetic late-onset erythropoietic protoporphyria: A systematic review of the literature. PHOTODERMATOLOGY, PHOTOIMMUNOLOGY & PHOTOMEDICINE 2021; 37:374-379. [PMID: 33556208 DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inherited genetic erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is characterized by a photosensitive rash that emerges during infancy or early childhood. Acquired EPP can erupt at any age, even during adulthood, and is associated with hematological disorders. A third, less-studied type of EPP is also inherited but appears later in life (during adulthood). PURPOSE To evaluate the characteristics of inherited genetic late-onset (IGLO) EPP. METHODS A systematic comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and clinicaltrials.gov databases. Studies describing patients with IGLO EPP were included. Additionally, we present an index case of a patient, treated at our clinic in whom inherited genetic EPP was diagnosed at age 21 years. RESULTS The search yielded 1514 citations. Five publications were eligible for review. Along with our case, 7 patients (4 males) were included in the analysis. Mean age at disease onset was 34.2 years (range 18-69, median 30). Most patients presented with mild pruritus and rash in a photosensitive distribution. Mean level of free erythrocyte protoporphyrin IX (FEP) was 8.6 μmol/L. A mutant ferrochelatase gene (FECH) in trans to a hypomorphic FECH allele was found in 3 of the 4 patients who underwent genetic testing. CONCLUSION We describe the distinct features of IGLO EPP. This work emphasizes that a diagnosis of inherited genetic EPP should not be ruled out in adults with new-onset photosensitive manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yehonatan Noyman
- Photodermatosis Service, Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yonatan Edel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Porphyria Center, Rabin Medical Center - Beilnson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Rheumatology Unit, Rabin Medical Center - Beilnson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Igor Snast
- Photodermatosis Service, Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shany Sherman
- Photodermatosis Service, Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ran Kaftory
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moshe Lapidoth
- Photodermatosis Service, Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniel Mimouni
- Photodermatosis Service, Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Emmilia Hodak
- Photodermatosis Service, Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Assi Levi
- Photodermatosis Service, Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Snast I, Kaftory R, Lapidoth M, Mamet R, Hodak E, Edel Y, Levi A. Clinical features of genetic cutaneous porphyrias in Israel: A nationwide survey. PHOTODERMATOLOGY, PHOTOIMMUNOLOGY & PHOTOMEDICINE 2021; 37:236-242. [PMID: 33306200 DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are three major types of genetic cutaneous porphyrias (GCP): erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), variegate porphyria (VP), and hereditary coproporphyria (HCP). Scarce data are available regarding their impact on patients' quality of life in the Mediterranean region. PURPOSE To describe the cutaneous features of GCP in Israel. METHODS An established nationwide cohort of patients with GCP diagnosed during 1988-2019 was surveyed by telephone for cutaneous features of GCP. Impact on quality of life was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index. RESULTS Of the 95 patients with GCP, 71 (75%) completed the survey (21 HCP; 40 VP; 10 EPP). All EPP patients reported cutaneous symptoms compared with 58% of VP and 5% of HCP (P < .001). Mean age at symptom onset was 7 ± 6 years in EPP and 25 ± 15 years in VP (P < .001). Photosensitivity was the most common symptom in EPP (90%). In VP photosensitivity (52%), blistering (52%) and scarring (74%) were all common symptoms. In both VP and EPP, the dorsal hands/forearms were the most affected regions (≥96%), and in ≥ 78%, symptoms occurred on an almost daily basis. All EPP patients changed their lifestyle due to cutaneous symptoms vs 57% in VP. Major effect on quality of life was observed among EPP patients compared with a moderate effect in VP. No treatment was effective in EPP, while phototherapy and moisturizers were effective in 5 of 7 (71%) VP patients. CONCLUSION This study sheds light on the cutaneous features of the GCP, which have a substantial effect on patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Snast
- Division of Dermatology, Photodermatosis Service, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ran Kaftory
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moshe Lapidoth
- Division of Dermatology, Photodermatosis Service, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rivka Mamet
- National Service for the Biochemical Diagnoses of Porphyrias, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Emmilia Hodak
- Division of Dermatology, Photodermatosis Service, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yonatan Edel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,National Service for the Biochemical Diagnoses of Porphyrias, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Department "C" of internal Medicine, Beilinson Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Assi Levi
- Division of Dermatology, Photodermatosis Service, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.,Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Wensink D, Wagenmakers MAEM, Langendonk JG. Afamelanotide for prevention of phototoxicity in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:151-160. [PMID: 33507118 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1879638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: In erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), an inherited disorder of heme biosynthesis, accumulation of protoporphyrin IX results in acute phototoxicity. EPP patients experience severe burning pain after light exposure, which results in a markedly reduced quality of life. Afamelanotide is the first effective approved medical treatment for EPP, acting on melanocortin-1 receptors. This article aims to review afamelanotide.Areas covered: This review summarizes the chemical properties, pharmacokinetics, safety, preclinical and clinical data on afamelanotide in EPP, and post-marketing surveillance. PubMed search, manufacturers' websites, and relevant articles used for approval by authorities were used for the literature search.Expert opinion: Afamelanotide is an α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone analog. It can activate eumelanogenesis without exposure to UV radiation. Clinical studies in EPP showed that afamelanotide treatment significantly increased exposure to sunlight and QoL. In our clinical experience afamelanotide treatment is much more effective in clinical practice than demonstrated in clinical trials and should be made available for all EPP patients meeting inclusion criteria. The 60-day interval period was not based on effectiveness studies, and therefore for some of the patients the maximum of four implants per year with the 60-day interval is insufficient. Afamelanotide is well tolerated; common adverse events were headache, fatigue, and nausea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debby Wensink
- Porphyria Centre Rotterdam, Centre for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Margreet A E M Wagenmakers
- Porphyria Centre Rotterdam, Centre for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke G Langendonk
- Porphyria Centre Rotterdam, Centre for Lysosomal and Metabolic Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Granata F, Duca L, Brancaleoni V, Fustinoni S, De Luca G, Motta I, Graziadei G, Di Pierro E. Alternative Pathway Involvement in Protoporphyria Patients Related to Sun Exposure. Front Immunol 2021; 12:615620. [PMID: 33664746 PMCID: PMC7921788 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.615620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeostasis of tissues in a chronic disease is an essential function of the alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system (CS). However, if not controlled, it may also be detrimental to healthy cells with a consequent aggravation of symptoms. The protoporphyria (PP) is a rare chronic disease that causes phototoxicity in visible light with local skin pain and general malaise. In order to establish if there is a systemic involvement of the CS during sun exposure, we designed a non-invasive method with a serum collection in winter and summer from 19 PP and 13 controls to detect the levels of CS protein: Properdin, Factor H (FH), and C5. Moreover, the global radiation data were collected from the regional agency of environmental protection (ARPA). The results show growing values for every protein in patients with PP, compared to control, in both seasons, in particular in summer compared to winter. To reinforce the evidence, we have estimated the personal exposure of patients based on the global radiation data. The main factors of the AP increased over the season, confirming the involvement of the AP in relation to light exposure. The systemic response could justify the general malaise of patients after long light exposure and can be exploited to elucidate new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Granata
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, U.O.C. Medicina Generale, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorena Duca
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, U.O.C. Medicina Generale, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Brancaleoni
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, U.O.C. Medicina Generale, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Fustinoni
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.,Environmental and Industrial Toxicology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo De Luca
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, U.O.C. Medicina Generale, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Motta
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, U.O.C. Medicina Generale, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Graziadei
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, U.O.C. Medicina Generale, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Di Pierro
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, U.O.C. Medicina Generale, Milan, Italy
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Minder AE, Barman-Aksoezen J, Schmid M, Minder EI, Zulewski H, Minder CE, Schneider-Yin X. Beyond pigmentation: signs of liver protection during afamelanotide treatment in Swiss patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria, an observational study. THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN RARE DISEASE 2021; 2:26330040211065453. [PMID: 37181106 PMCID: PMC10032460 DOI: 10.1177/26330040211065453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an ultra-rare inherited disorder with overproduction of protoporphyrin in maturating erythroblasts. This excess protoporphyrin leads to incapacitating phototoxic burns in sunlight exposed skin. Its biliary elimination causes cholestatic liver injury in 20% and terminal liver failure in 4% of EPP patients. Thereby, the risk of liver injury increases with increasing erythrocyte protoporphyrin concentrations. Afamelanotide, an α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) analog inducing skin pigmentation, was shown to improve sunlight tolerance in EPP. Beyond this well-known effect on pigmentation, the MSHs have liver-protective effects and improve survival of maturating erythroblasts, effects described in animal or in vitro models to date only. We investigated whether afamelanotide treatment in EPP has effects on erythropoiesis, protoporphyrin concentrations, and liver injury by analyzing retrospectively our long-term safety data. Methods From the 47 Swiss EPP-patients treated at our center since 2006, we included those 38 patients in the current analysis who received at least one afamelanotide dose between 2016 and 2018 and underwent regular laboratory testing before and during the treatment. We compared the means of pretreatment measurements with those during the treatment. Results Protoporphyrin concentrations dropped from 21.39 ± 11.12 (mean ± SD) before afamelanotide to 16.83 ± 8.24 µmol/L (p < .0001) during treatment. Aspartate aminotransferase decreased from 26.67 ± 13.16 to 22.9 ± 7.76 IU/L (p = .0146). For both entities, patients with higher values showed a more progressive decrease, indicating a risk reduction of EPP-related liver disease. The pre-existing hypochromia and broad mean red-cell distribution width were further augmented under afamelanotide. This was more likely due to an influence of afamelanotide on maturating erythroblasts than due to an exacerbated iron deficiency, as mean zinc-protoporphyrin decreased significantly and ferritin remained unchanged. No serious afamelanotide-related adverse events were observed for a total of 240 treatment years. Conclusion Our findings point to a protective effect of afamelanotide on erythroblast maturation and protoporphyrin-induced liver injury. Plain Language summary Afamelanotide, a skin tanning hormone, may protect patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria not only from skin burns, but also from liver injury associated with the disease. Patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), an inherited metabolic disease, suffer from light-induced skin burns and liver injury elicited by the accumulated light sensitizer protoporphyrin. The excess protoporphyrin is produced in red cell precursors in the bone marrow, and it is eliminated from the body via the liver and bile. A high protoporphyrin excretion burden damages the liver cells, the risk for this increases with higher protoporphyrin concentrations. About 20% of EPP patients show some sign of liver injury and 4% develop life-threatening liver dysfunction.Afamelanotide, closely related to natural α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), induces skin tanning. This effect protects EPP patients from light-induced skin burns as shown in previous studies. We have treated Swiss EPP patients with afamelanotide since 2006, and we regularly perform safety tests of this treatment.Recent in vitro and animal studies demonstrated α-MSH effects other than skin tanning, including an improved synthesis of red blood cell precursors in the bone-marrow and protection of the liver from experimentally induced damage. Until now, it is unknown whether afamelanotide has similar effects in the human organism.To study this question, we analyzed retrospectively the safety laboratory data of 38 Swiss patients, who received at least one dose of afamelanotide from 2016 to 2019. We found that both, the average protoporphyrin concentrations and aspartate aminotransferase, a test for liver function, improved during afamelanotide treatment as compared to before.We concluded that afamelanotide applied to EPP patients to protect them from light-induced skin burns also may reduce their risk of liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Elisabeth Minder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology,
Porphyria, Stadtspital Zürich, Birmensdorferstrasse 497, 8063 Zurich,
Switzerland
| | | | - Mathias Schmid
- Department of Hematology and Oncology,
Stadtspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth I. Minder
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology,
Porphyria, Stadtspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Henryk Zulewski
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology,
Porphyria, Stadtspital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph E. Minder
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine,
University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Barman-Aksözen J, Nydegger M, Schneider-Yin X, Minder AE. Increased phototoxic burn tolerance time and quality of life in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria treated with afamelanotide - a three years observational study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2020; 15:213. [PMID: 32811524 PMCID: PMC7437008 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-020-01505-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is an ultra-rare genetic disorder (prevalence 1:150`000) characterized by instant painful phototoxic burn reactions in skin exposed to visible light. Afamelanotide is the first clinically tested therapy effectively increasing the time EPP patients can spend in direct sunlight without developing symptoms and reducing the number and severity of phototoxic reactions. OBJECTIVES We report our data on real-world effectiveness of afamelanotide treatment in EPP and its phototoxic burn protection factor (PBPF). METHODS We analysed clinical data collected between 2016 and 2018 in the Swiss EPP cohort (n = 39) on maximum phototoxic burn tolerance time (PBTT), i.e., maximum time spent in sunlight without phototoxic reaction, severity of phototoxic reactions as assessed by an 11-point Likert-type visual analogue scale (VAS), with 0 being no pain and 10 being the worst possible pain, and Quality of Life (QoL), as assessed with an EPP-specific instrument. RESULTS Before treatment, the PBTT was median 10 min (IQR 5-20). Under treatment, PBTT increased to median 180 min (IQR 120-240). Individual PBPF increased 1.8- to 180-fold (full range, median 15). The pain severity of the worst phototoxic reaction before treatment was median 10 and under treatment median 6 (IQR 3-7). QoL at the end of the observation period in 2018 (with all the assessed patients under treatment) was 81.4% (IQR 69.4-93.4, n = 34). A 97.4% treatment adherence rate was observed. CONCLUSION Treatment of EPP patients with afamelanotide is highly effective under real-world conditions. We suggest PBTT as a clinical meaningful endpoint in further clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michèle Nydegger
- Institute of Anesthesia and Intensive Medicine, Stadtspital Waid und Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Xiaoye Schneider-Yin
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Stadtspital Waid und Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anna-Elisabeth Minder
- Department for Endocrinology, Diabetology, Porphyria, Stadtspital Waid und Triemli, Zurich, Switzerland.
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