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Gollarahalli Patel A, Ahmed S, Parida JR, Pattanaik SS, Gupta L, Aggarwal A, Lawrence A, Misra DP, Nath A, Hashim Z, Khan A, Mishra R, Ravindra A, Mohindra N, Jain N, Agarwal V. Tuberculosis is the predominant infection in systemic sclerosis: thirty-year retrospective study of serious infections from a single centre. Rheumatol Int 2024:10.1007/s00296-024-05688-0. [PMID: 39180530 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05688-0] [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: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
To look for the spectrum of infections and the factors predisposing to infection in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this retrospective study, demographic, clinical features, details of infections, immunosuppressive therapy, and outcomes of patients with SSc attending clinics at department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India from 1990 to 2022 were captured. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictors of infection. Data of 880 patients, mean age 35.5 ± 12 years, and female: male ratio 7.7:1, were analyzed. One hundred and fifty-three patients had at least 1 infection with a total of 233 infectious episodes. Infections were most common in lung followed by skin and soft tissue. Tuberculosis was diagnosed in 45 patients (29.4%). Klebsiella was the commonest non-tubercular organism in lung and Escherichia coli in urinary tract infections. In comparison to matched control group, patients with infection had a greater number of admissions due to active disease, odds ratio (OR) 6.27 (CI 3.23-12.18), were receiving immunosuppressive medication OR, 5.05 (CI 2.55-10.00), and had more digital ulcers OR, 2.53 (CI 1.17-5.45). Patients who had infection had more likelihood for death OR, 13.63 (CI 4.75 -39.18). Tuberculosis is the commonest infection and lung remains the major site of infection in patients with SSc. Number of hospital admissions, digital ulcers and immunosuppressive therapy are predictors of serious infection in patients with SSc. Patients with infections had more likelihood of death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Gollarahalli Patel
- Unit III, Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, King George Medical University, Lucknow, 226003, India
| | - Sakir Ahmed
- Unit III, Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneshwar, 751024, India
| | - Jyoti Ranjan Parida
- Unit III, Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
- Odisha Arthritis and Rheumatology Center, Bhubaneshwar, 751006, India
| | - Sarit Sekhar Pattanaik
- Unit III, Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, India
| | - Latika Gupta
- Unit III, Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust, Wolverhampton, WV10 0QP, UK
| | - Amita Aggarwal
- Unit III, Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Able Lawrence
- Unit III, Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Durga Prasanna Misra
- Unit III, Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Alok Nath
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Zia Hashim
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Ajmal Khan
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Richa Mishra
- Department of Microbiology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Akshatha Ravindra
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, AIIMS, Jodhpur, India
| | - Namita Mohindra
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Neeraj Jain
- Department of Radio-Diagnosis, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India
| | - Vikas Agarwal
- Unit III, Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226014, India.
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Kayser C, de Oliveira Delgado SM, Zimmermann AF, Horimoto AMC, Del Rio APT, de Souza Müller C, Camargo CZ, Lupo CM, de Moraes DA, Do Rosário E Souza EJ, Santos FPST, Sekiyama JY, Lonzetti LS, de Oliveira Martins LV, Bezerra MC, Bredemeier M, Oliveira MC, da Fonseca Salgado MC, Miossi R, de Araújo Fontenele SM, Hax V, Dantas AT, Sampaio-Barros PD. 2023 Brazilian Society of Rheumatology guidelines for the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Adv Rheumatol 2024; 64:52. [PMID: 38987832 DOI: 10.1186/s42358-024-00392-w] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease with heterogeneous manifestations. In the last decade, several clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate new treatment options for SSc. The purpose of this work is to update the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Rheumatology in light of the new evidence available for the pharmacological management of SSc. METHODS A systematic review including randomized clinical trials (RCTs) for predefined questions that were elaborated according to the Patient/Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcomes (PICO) strategy was conducted. The rating of the available evidence was performed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. To become a recommendation, at least 75% agreement of the voting panel was needed. RESULTS Six recommendations were elaborated regarding the pharmacological treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon, the treatment (healing) and prevention of digital ulcers, skin involvement, interstitial lung disease (ILD) and gastrointestinal involvement in SSc patients based on results available from RCTs. New drugs, such as rituximab, were included as therapeutic options for skin involvement, and rituximab, tocilizumab and nintedanib were included as therapeutic options for ILD. Recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of scleroderma renal crisis and musculoskeletal involvement were elaborated based on the expert opinion of the voting panel, as no placebo-controlled RCTs were found. CONCLUSION These guidelines updated and incorporated new treatment options for the management of SSc based on evidence from the literature and expert opinion regarding SSc, providing support for decision-making in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Kayser
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua dos Otonis 863, 2º andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil.
| | - Sandra Maximiano de Oliveira Delgado
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua dos Otonis 863, 2º andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital Sírio Libanês, Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Adriana Fontes Zimmermann
- Rheumatology Division, Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Tiago University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina-UFSC, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Alex Magno Coelho Horimoto
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital Regional do Mato Grosso do Sul, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul-UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil
| | | | - Carolina de Souza Müller
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná-UFPR, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Cintia Zumstein Camargo
- Internal Medicine Departament, Faculdade de Medicina de Botucatu, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Michelini Lupo
- Rheumatology Division, Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto-FAMERP, São José do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Juliana Yuri Sekiyama
- Internal Medicine Departament, Universidade Estadual de Maringá-UEM, Maringá, PR, Brazil
| | - Lilian Scussel Lonzetti
- Rheumatology Division, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre-UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucas Victória de Oliveira Martins
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo-UNIFESP, Rua dos Otonis 863, 2º andar, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04025-002, Brazil
| | | | - Markus Bredemeier
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Carolina Oliveira
- Clinical Immunology Division, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Renata Miossi
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Vanessa Hax
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul-UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Percival Degrava Sampaio-Barros
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo-USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Abraham D, Lescoat A, Stratton R. Emerging diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for skin fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101252. [PMID: 38325132 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (also called scleroderma, SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by excessive collagen deposition leading to skin fibrosis and various internal organ manifestations. The emergent diagnostics and therapeutic strategies for scleroderma focus on early detection and targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Diagnostics for SSc have evolved significantly in recent years, driven by advancements in serological markers and imaging techniques. Autoantibody profiling, especially antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and specific scleroderma-associated autoantibodies, aids in identifying subsets of scleroderma and predicting disease progression. Furthermore, novel imaging modalities, such as high-frequency ultrasonography and optical coherence tomography, enable early detection of skin fibrosis and internal organ involvement, enhancing the diagnostic precision and allowing for tailored management. Therapeutic strategies for SSc are multifaceted, targeting immune dysregulation, vascular abnormalities, and fibrotic processes. Emerging biologic agents have shown promise in clinical trials, including monoclonal antibodies directed against key cytokines involved in fibrosis, such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Additionally, small-molecule inhibitors that disrupt fibrotic pathways, like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have exhibited potential in limiting collagen deposition and preventing disease progression. Stem cell therapy, cell ablation and gene editing techniques hold great potential in regenerating damaged tissue and halting fibrotic processes. Early intervention remains crucial in managing SSc, as irreversible tissue damage often occurs in advanced stages. Novel diagnostic methods, such as biomarkers and gene expression profiling, are being explored to identify individuals at high risk for developing progressive severe disease and intervene proactively. Furthermore, patient-tailored therapeutic approaches, employing a combination of immunosuppressive agents and targeted anti-fibrotic therapies, are being investigated to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. The emergent diagnostics and therapeutic strategies in scleroderma are transforming the management of this challenging disease. Nevertheless, ongoing research and clinical trials are needed to optimize the efficacy and safety of these novel approaches in the complex and diverse spectrum of SSc manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Abraham
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, London, UK
| | - Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - Richard Stratton
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, London, UK.
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Kuwana M, Takehara K, Tanaka Y, Yamashita K, Katsumata K, Takata M, Shima Y. Efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis and associated interstitial lung disease: A subgroup analysis of a global, randomised, controlled Phase 3 trial. Mod Rheumatol 2024; 34:530-540. [PMID: 37436828 DOI: 10.1093/mr/road068] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this article is to investigate the efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in Japanese patients with systemic sclerosis. METHODS Post hoc subgroup analysis of a global, randomised, controlled trial in patients treated with weekly tocilizumab 162 mg or placebo subcutaneously in a 48-week double-blind period (tocilizumab and placebo groups) followed by tocilizumab for 48 weeks in an open-label extension (continuous-tocilizumab and placebo-tocilizumab groups). RESULTS Among 20 patients, 12 were randomised to tocilizumab (all had interstitial lung disease) and eight were randomised to placebo (six had interstitial lung disease). The modified Rodnan skin score improved in both treatment groups. The mean change in percent-predicted forced vital capacity was 3.3% [95% confidence interval (CI), -2.5 to 9.0] for tocilizumab and -3.8% (95% CI, -9.9 to 2.2) for placebo in the double-blind period and 2.0% (95% CI, -0.7 to 4.6) for continuous-tocilizumab and -1.4% (95% CI, -6.7 to 4.0) for placebo-tocilizumab in the open-label extension. Rates of serious adverse events per 100 patient-years were 19.3 for tocilizumab and 26.8 for placebo in the double-blind period and 0.0 for continuous-tocilizumab and 13.6 for placebo-tocilizumab in the open-label period. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in patients with systemic sclerosis were consistent between the Japanese subpopulation and the global trial population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Takehara
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical, Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Kanazawa University, Ishikawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | | | - Mai Takata
- Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihito Shima
- Laboratory of Thermo-therapeutics for Vascular Dysfunction/Clinical Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
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Balogh L, Oláh K, Sánta S, Majerhoffer N, Németh T. Novel and potential future therapeutic options in systemic autoimmune diseases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1249500. [PMID: 38558805 PMCID: PMC10978744 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1249500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune inflammation is caused by the loss of tolerance to specific self-antigens and can result in organ-specific or systemic disorders. Systemic autoimmune diseases affect a significant portion of the population with an increasing rate of incidence, which means that is essential to have effective therapies to control these chronic disorders. Unfortunately, several patients with systemic autoimmune diseases do not respond at all or just partially respond to available conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and targeted therapies. However, during the past few years, some new medications have been approved and can be used in real-life clinical settings. Meanwhile, several new candidates appeared and can offer promising novel treatment options in the future. Here, we summarize the newly available medications and the most encouraging drug candidates in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's disease, systemic sclerosis, systemic vasculitis, and autoimmune myositis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Balogh
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE “Lendület” Translational Rheumatology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Oláh
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE “Lendület” Translational Rheumatology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Soma Sánta
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE “Lendület” Translational Rheumatology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nóra Majerhoffer
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE “Lendület” Translational Rheumatology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Németh
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- MTA-SE “Lendület” Translational Rheumatology Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Papadimitriou TI, Singh P, van Caam A, Walgreen B, Gorris MAJ, Vitters EL, van Ingen IL, Koenders MI, Smeets RL, Vonk M, de Vries JM, van der Kraan PM, van Oosterhout Y, Huynen MA, Koenen HJPM, Thurlings RM. CD7 activation regulates cytotoxicity-driven pathology in systemic sclerosis, yielding a target for selective cell depletion. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:488-498. [PMID: 38123919 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224827] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are central effector cells in cancer and infections. Their effector response is regulated by activating and inhibitory receptors. The regulation of these cells in systemic autoimmune diseases such as systemic sclerosis (SSc) is less defined. METHODS We conducted ex vivo analysis of affected skin and blood samples from 4 SSc patient cohorts (a total of 165 SSc vs 80 healthy individuals) using single-cell transcriptomics, flow cytometry and multiplex immunofluorescence staining. We further analysed the effects of costimulatory modulation in functional assays, and in a severely affected SSc patient who was treated on compassionate use with a novel anti-CD3/CD7 immunotoxin treatment. RESULTS Here, we show that SSc-affected skin contains elevated numbers of proliferating T cells, cytotoxic T cells and NK cells. These cells selectively express the costimulatory molecule CD7 in association with cytotoxic, proinflammatory and profibrotic genes, especially in recent-onset and severe disease. We demonstrate that CD7 regulates the cytolytic activity of T cells and NK cells and that selective depletion of CD7+ cells prevents cytotoxic cell-induced fibroblast contraction and inhibits their profibrotic phenotype. Finally, anti-CD3/CD7 directed depletive treatment eliminated CD7+ skin cells and stabilised disease manifestations in a severely affected SSc patient. CONCLUSION Together, the findings imply costimulatory molecules as key regulators of cytotoxicity-driven pathology in systemic autoimmune disease, yielding CD7 as a novel target for selective depletion of pathogenic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Ioannis Papadimitriou
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Medical Immunology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Prashant Singh
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arjan van Caam
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Mark A J Gorris
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Division of Immunotherapy, Oncode Institute, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Elly L Vitters
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Iris L van Ingen
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ruben L Smeets
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Medical Immunology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Radboudumc Laboratory for Diagnostics, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda M de Vries
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Martijn A Huynen
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J P M Koenen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine - Medical Immunology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Teske N, Fett N. Recent Advances in Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis and Morphea. Am J Clin Dermatol 2024; 25:213-226. [PMID: 38087156 DOI: 10.1007/s40257-023-00831-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) and morphea are autoimmune sclerosing diseases that cause significant morbidity, and in the case of SSc, mortality. The pathogenesis of both SSc and morphea share vascular dysfunction, auto-reactive T cells and Th2-associated cytokines, such as interleukin 4, and overproduction of transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). TGFβ stimulates fibroblast collagen and extra-cellular matrix production. Although morphea and SSc have similar pathogenic pathways and histological findings, they are distinct diseases. Recent advances in treatment of morphea, skin sclerosis in SSc, and interstitial lung disease in SSc are focused on targeting known pathogenic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle Teske
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Nicole Fett
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, 3303 SW Bond Avenue, Portland, OR, 97239, USA.
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Allanore Y, Khanna D, Smith V, Aringer M, Hoffmann-Vold AM, Kuwana M, Merkel PA, Stock C, Sambevski S, Denton CP. Effects of nintedanib in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and interstitial lung disease. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:639-647. [PMID: 37294870 PMCID: PMC10907814 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the course of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and the effects of nintedanib in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc). METHODS In the SENSCIS trial, patients with SSc-ILD were randomized to receive nintedanib or placebo. Patients who completed the SENSCIS trial were eligible to enter SENSCIS-ON, in which all patients received open-label nintedanib. RESULTS Among 277 patients with lcSSc treated in the SENSCIS trial, the rate (s.e.) of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC; ml/year) over 52 weeks was -74.5 (19.2) in the placebo group and -49.1 (19.8) in the nintedanib group (difference: 25.3 [95% CI -28.9, 79.6]). Among 249 patients with data at week 52, mean (s.e.) change in FVC at week 52 was -86.4 (21.1) ml in the placebo group and -39.1 (22.2) ml in the nintedanib group. Among 183 patients with lcSSc who participated in SENSCIS-ON and had data at week 52, mean (s.e.) change in FVC from baseline to week 52 of SENSCIS-ON was -41.5 (24.0) ml in patients who took placebo in the SENSCIS trial and initiated nintedanib in SENSCIS-ON and -45.1 (19.1) ml in patients who took nintedanib in the SENSCIS trial and continued it in SENSCIS-ON. CONCLUSION Patients with lcSSc may develop progressive fibrosing ILD. By targeting pulmonary fibrosis, nintedanib slows decline in lung function in patients with lcSSc and ILD. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov), NCT02597933 and NCT03313180.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Allanore
- Department of Rheumatology, Paris Cité University, APHP, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Ghent University Hospital and Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martin Aringer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine III, University Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Dresden, TU, Germany
| | | | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Peter A Merkel
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Christian Stock
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Steven Sambevski
- Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, University College London, London, UK
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9
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Ghuman A, Khanna D, Lin CJF, Furst DE, Raghu G, Martinez FJ, Zucchetto M, Huang S, Jennings A, Nihtyanova SI, Denton CP. Prognostic and predictive markers of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease in a clinical trial and long-term observational cohort. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:472-481. [PMID: 37228011 PMCID: PMC10836965 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore prognostic and predictive markers of SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) outcomes in a phase 3 trial (focuSSced) and prognostic markers in a real-world cohort (SMART). METHODS The focuSSced SSc-ILD subgroup included 68 of 106 placebo-treated and 68 of 104 tocilizumab-treated patients. The SMART cohort included 505 patients with SSc-ILD. Linear mixed-effect models were used to identify factors associated with change in forced vital capacity (FVC). Kaplan-Meier estimation and Cox regression were used for time-to-event analyses. RESULTS In placebo-treated focuSSced patients, sex was a significant prognostic factor for FVC decline; males had increased risk for absolute decline ≥10% in percent-predicted FVC (ppFVC) and 0.22% faster weekly FVC decline than females (P = 0.0001). FVC was 9.8% lower in patients with CRP >6 mg/ml vs those with CRP ≤6 mg/ml (P = 0.0059). Tocilizumab reduced the risk for ≥10% decline in ppFVC in patients who were male, had earlier disease (<2 years duration), had IL-6 levels <10 pg/ml, or had anti-topoisomerase antibodies (ATA). In the SMART cohort, prognostic factors for ppFVC <70% were male sex, ATA, and low baseline FVC. Males had 3.3% lower FVC 1 year after disease onset (P < 0.001) and 0.6% faster yearly decline (P = 0.03) than females. CONCLUSION Prognostic markers in SSc-ILD were similar between focuSSced and SMART. Male sex and inflammatory markers were associated with lower FVC but IL-6 ≥10 pg/ml was not predictive of response to tocilizumab. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02453256.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Daniel E Furst
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ganesh Raghu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | - Suiyuan Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Svetlana I Nihtyanova
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
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10
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Chasov V, Zmievskaya E, Ganeeva I, Gilyazova E, Davletshin D, Khaliulin M, Kabwe E, Davidyuk YN, Valiullina A, Rizvanov A, Bulatov E. Immunotherapy Strategy for Systemic Autoimmune Diseases: Betting on CAR-T Cells and Antibodies. Antibodies (Basel) 2024; 13:10. [PMID: 38390871 PMCID: PMC10885098 DOI: 10.3390/antib13010010] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic autoimmune diseases (SAIDs), such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are fully related to the unregulated innate and adaptive immune systems involved in their pathogenesis. They have similar pathogenic characteristics, including the interferon signature, loss of tolerance to self-nuclear antigens, and enhanced tissue damage like necrosis and fibrosis. Glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants, which have limited specificity and are prone to tolerance, are used as the first-line therapy. A plethora of novel immunotherapies have been developed, including monoclonal and bispecific antibodies, and other biological agents to target cellular and soluble factors involved in disease pathogenesis, such as B cells, co-stimulatory molecules, cytokines or their receptors, and signaling molecules. Many of these have shown encouraging results in clinical trials. CAR-T cell therapy is considered the most promising technique for curing autoimmune diseases, with recent successes in the treatment of SLE and SSc. Here, we overview novel therapeutic approaches based on CAR-T cells and antibodies for targeting systemic autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Chasov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Zmievskaya
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Irina Ganeeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Elvina Gilyazova
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Damir Davletshin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Marat Khaliulin
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Emmanuel Kabwe
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Yuriy N Davidyuk
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Aygul Valiullina
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
| | - Albert Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Division of Medical and Biological Sciences, Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, 420111 Kazan, Russia
| | - Emil Bulatov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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11
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Campochiaro C, Allanore Y, Braun-Moscovici Y, Matucci-Cerinic M, Balbir-Gurman A. Is cyclophosphamide still the gold standard in early severe rapidly progressive systemic sclerosis? Autoimmun Rev 2024; 23:103439. [PMID: 37690478 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103439] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CYC) has been a gold standard of treatment for severe progressive Systemic Sclerosis (SSc), especially in patients with concomitant interstitial lung disease (ILD). This approach was based on results of several interventional studies, including randomized control trials, which mainly addressed SSc-ILD as a primary end point and skin involvement as a second one. The use of CYC is time-limited due to significant adverse events. More recently, other immunosuppressive and biological agents showed efficacy but better safety profile in patients with SSc and SSc-ILD. With regards to other end-points, post-hoc analyses, systematic reviews and metalysis showed that CYC had limited influence on patients' quality of life, event-free survival and mortality. Comprehensive patient's stratification according to a molecular, cellular and phenotypic pattern may help in choosing of personalized medicine with more ambitious treatment effect and should be the future direction. According to the above available data and even if scientific evidence may be missing, experts' opinion has changed the attitude to CYC as an anchor drug in the management of severe SSc. Indeed, CYC has been pushed to the second and even third treatment option after mycophenolate mofetil, tocilizumab or rituximab. This position became obvious during debate on this topic at CORA meeting 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corrado Campochiaro
- IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Yolanda Braun-Moscovici
- Rheumatology Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel; The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Rheumatology, Univercity of Florence, Italy; Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases; Vita-Salute San Raffaele Univercity, Milan, Italy
| | - Alexandra Balbir-Gurman
- Rheumatology Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel; The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
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12
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Strunz PP, Labinsky H, Nagler LK, Portegys J, Froehlich M, Gernert M, Schmalzing M. Case Report: Effectiveness of secukinumab in systemic sclerosis with early skin progress after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and end-stage kidney disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1294496. [PMID: 38045701 PMCID: PMC10693324 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1294496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) represents an effective treatment option in patients with severe forms of systemic sclerosis (SSc) by resetting the immune system. Nevertheless, secondary autoimmune disorders and progressive disease after aHSCT might necessitate renewed immunosuppressive treatments. This is particularly challenging when organ dysfunction, i.e., end-stage kidney failure, is present. In this case report, we present the unique case of a 43-year-old female patient with rapidly progressive diffuse systemic sclerosis who underwent aHSCT despite end-stage renal failure as consequence of SSc-renal crisis. Therefore, conditioning chemotherapy was performed with melphalan instead of cyclophosphamide with no occurrence of severe adverse events during the aplastic period and thereafter. After aHSCT, early disease progression of the skin occurred and was successfully treated with secukinumab. Thereby, to the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of successful aHSCT in a SSc-patient with end-stage kidney failure and also the first successful use of an IL-17 inhibitor to treat early disease progression after aHSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick-Pascal Strunz
- Department of Internal Medicine 2, Rheumatology/Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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13
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Yoshifuji H, Yomono K, Yamano Y, Kondoh Y, Yasuoka H. Role of rituximab in the treatment of systemic sclerosis: A literature review. Mod Rheumatol 2023; 33:1068-1077. [PMID: 37053127 DOI: 10.1093/mr/road040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
This literature review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rituximab (RTX) in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). PubMed was searched for articles, published through 31 March 2022, on any controlled studies using RTX in the treatment of SSc. Of 85 identified articles, 9 were selected by title/abstract screening and full text examination. All nine articles reported outcomes of forced vital capacity (%FVC), and seven reported those of modified Rodnan skin scores (mRSS). The results showed that among the seven controlled studies evaluating skin lesions in patients with SSc, four showed a significant improvement of mRSS by RTX when compared with a control group, whereas three showed no significant effect. Among the nine controlled studies evaluating lung lesions, five showed a significant improvement of %FVC compared with a control group, whereas four showed no significant effect. In conclusion, RTX may be effective in the treatment of skin and lung lesions in patients with SSc. The profiles of SSc patients for whom RTX was indicated were unclear, although patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc and those positive for anti-topoisomerase I antibody were considered potential targets. Additional studies are needed to assess the long-term effectiveness of RTX in the treatment of patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajime Yoshifuji
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keina Yomono
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School, Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Yamano
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Tosei General Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kondoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Tosei General Hospital, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hidekata Yasuoka
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Aichi, Japan
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14
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Ross L, Nikpour M. Composite measures to assess disease damage, disease severity and treatment response in systemic sclerosis clinical trials. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:334-340. [PMID: 37650689 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this study was to summarize the composite outcome measures available to assess disease damage, severity and treatment response in systemic sclerosis (SSc). RECENT FINDINGS There have been many recent efforts to rigorously develop and validate composite outcome measures to assess the totality of the impact of SSc on patients. All initiatives have used both consensus and data-driven methods. Recently developed are a SSc-specific damage index, a patient-reported disease impact questionnaire (ScleroID) and a treatment response index (ACR-CRISS). SUMMARY Multiorgan, composite measures are being increasingly applied to assess treatment efficacy in clinical trials. Although a fully validated, disease-specific composite measure is not yet available, there has been significant recent progress towards developing measures of treatment response, damage and overall impact of SSc for application in randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ross
- Department of Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Department of Medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, University of Melbourne
- Department of Rheumatology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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15
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Herrick AL, Denton CP. Enrichment strategies for clinical trials targeting skin fibrosis and interstitial lung disease in systemic sclerosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2023; 35:349-355. [PMID: 37729053 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review gives an update on enrichment strategies for clinical trials in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) in two contexts - skin fibrosis in early diffuse cutaneous disease, and SSc-related interstitial lung disease (ILD) - focusing on reports from the last 18 months. Lessons have been learnt from recent studies, making this review timely. RECENT FINDINGS Recent trials have highlighted how patients included into trials must be carefully selected to include 'progressors', that is, those most likely to benefit from treatment, and how drug mechanism action of action will influence trial design. For skin fibrosis, current enrichment strategies are mainly on clinical grounds (including disease duration, extent of skin thickening, tendon friction rubs and anti-RNA polymerase III positivity). Gene expression signatures may play a role in the future. For ILD, current enrichment strategies (degree of lung involvement as assessed by pulmonary function and high-resolution computed tomography) may help to recruit the most informative patients, but should avoid being too stringent to be feasible or for findings to be generalizable. SUMMARY Both skin fibrosis and ILD trials are challenging in SSc. Ongoing work on enrichment strategies should help to differentiate effective new treatments from placebo with smaller sample sizes than have been included in recent studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane L Herrick
- Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester, Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology, UCL Division of Medicine, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
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16
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Pătrîntașu DE, Sárközi HK, Lupușor E, Vlangăr IE, Rotariu GM, Rența IA, Nan AN, Budin CE. A Multidisciplinary Approach as a Goal for the Management of Complications in Systemic Scleroderma: A Literature Review and Case Scenario. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3332. [PMID: 37958228 PMCID: PMC10648338 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13213332] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (also known as scleroderma) is a chronic fibrosing autoimmune disease with both skin and multisystem organ involvement. Scleroderma has the highest mortality among all rheumatic diseases. The pathophysiology mechanism of systemic sclerosis is a progressive self-amplifying process, which involves widespread microvascular damage, followed by a dysregulation of innate and adaptive immunity and inflammation and diffuse fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs. Fibrosis of internal organs is a hint for systemic sclerosis, moreover associated with interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) is a complex process. In order to correlate scientific data from the literature with clinical experience, we present the case of a 56-year-old woman who was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis 16 years ago. The association of numerous comorbidities characterized by a considerable level of seriousness characterizes this case: the highly extensive systemic damage, the cardiovascular impact of the illness, and the existence of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension. The systemic and clinical manifestations, respiratory functional tests, radiological features, and specific therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dariana-Elena Pătrîntașu
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
| | - Hédi Katalin Sárközi
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
- Pneumology Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Eugeniu Lupușor
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
| | - Irina Elena Vlangăr
- Cardiology Department, Elias University Emergency Hospital, 011461 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Gheorghe-Marian Rotariu
- Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania;
| | - Ionuț-Alexandru Rența
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
| | - Anda-Nicoleta Nan
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
| | - Corina Eugenia Budin
- Pneumology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania; (D.-E.P.); (H.K.S.); (E.L.); (I.-A.R.); (C.E.B.)
- Pathophysiology Department, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mures, 540139 Targu Mures, Romania
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17
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Spiera R, Kuwana M, Khanna D, Hummers L, Frech TM, Stevens W, Matucci-Cerinic M, Kafaja S, Distler O, Jun JB, Levy Y, Leszcyzński P, Gordon J, Steen V, Lee EB, Jankowski T, Litinsky I, Chung L, Hsu V, Mayes M, Sandorfi N, Simms RW, Finzel S, de Vries-Bouwstra J, Constantine S, Dgetluck N, Dinh Q, Bloom BJ, Furst DE, White B, Denton CP. Efficacy and Safety of Lenabasum, a Cannabinoid Type 2 Receptor Agonist, in a Phase 3 Randomized Trial in Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:1608-1618. [PMID: 37098795 DOI: 10.1002/art.42510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This phase 3 study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy and safety of lenabasum, a cannabinoid type 2 receptor agonist, in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). METHODS A multinational double-blind study was conducted in 365 dcSSc patients who were randomized and dosed 1:1:1 with lenabasum 20 mg, lenabasum 5 mg, or placebo, each twice daily and added to background treatments, including immunosuppressive therapies (IST). RESULTS The primary end point, the American College of Rheumatology combined response index in dcSSc (CRISS) at week 52 for lenabasum 20 mg twice a day versus placebo, was not met, with CRISS score of 0.888 versus 0.887 (P = 0.4972, using mixed models repeated measures [MMRM]). The change in the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) at week 52 for lenabasum 20 mg twice a day versus placebo was -6.7 versus -8.1 (P = 0.1183, using MMRM). Prespecified analyses showed higher CRISS scores, greater improvement in MRSS, and lower decline in forced vital capacity in patients on background mycophenolate and those who were taking IST for ≤1 year. No deaths or excess in serious or severe adverse events related to lenabasum were observed. CONCLUSION A benefit of lenabasum in dcSSc was not demonstrated. Most patients were treated with background IST, and treatment with mycophenolate mofetil in particular was associated with better outcomes. These findings support the use of IST in the treatment of dcSSc and highlight the challenge of demonstrating a treatment effect when investigational treatment is added to standard of care IST. These findings have relevance to trial design in SSc, as well as to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Laura Hummers
- John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Tracy M Frech
- University of Utah and Salt Lake City VA Health Care System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Wendy Stevens
- St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, and Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases (UnIRAR), IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Suzanne Kafaja
- David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
| | - Oliver Distler
- University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jae-Bum Jun
- Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yair Levy
- Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | | | | | - Virginia Steen
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC
| | - Eun Bong Lee
- Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tomasz Jankowski
- Klinika Reumatologii Ukladowych Chorob Tkanki Lacznej Szpital Uniwersytecki, Bydgozzcz, Poland
| | | | - Lorina Chung
- Stanford University School of Medicine and Palo Alto VA Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Vivien Hsu
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, New Jersey
| | - Maureen Mayes
- McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
| | - Nora Sandorfi
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Robert W Simms
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephanie Finzel
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center, Universitätsklinikum Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Quinn Dinh
- Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Norwood, Massachusetts
| | | | - Daniel E Furst
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, and Division of Rheumatology AOUC, Florence, Italy, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, and University of Washington, Seattle, UK
| | - Barbara White
- Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Norwood, Massachusetts
| | - Christopher P Denton
- UCL Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College London Medical School, London, UK
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18
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Lescoat A, Huang S, Carreira PE, Siegert E, de Vries-Bouwstra J, Distler JHW, Smith V, Del Galdo F, Anic B, Damjanov N, Rednic S, Ribi C, Bancel DF, Hoffmann-Vold AM, Gabrielli A, Distler O, Khanna D, Allanore Y. Cutaneous Manifestations, Clinical Characteristics, and Prognosis of Patients With Systemic Sclerosis Sine Scleroderma: Data From the International EUSTAR Database. JAMA Dermatol 2023; 159:837-847. [PMID: 37378994 PMCID: PMC10308295 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.1729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Importance Systemic sclerosis (SSc) sine scleroderma (ssSSc) is a subset of SSc defined by the absence of skin fibrosis. Little is known about the natural history and skin manifestations among patients with ssSSc. Objective To characterize the clinical phenotype of patients with ssSSc compared with patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) within the EUSTAR database. Design, Setting, and Participants This longitudinal observational cohort study based on the international EUSTAR database included all patients fulfilling the classification criteria for SSc assessed by the modified Rodnan Skin score (mRSS) at inclusion and with at least 1 follow-up visit; ssSSc was defined by the absence of skin fibrosis (mRSS = 0 and no sclerodactyly) at all available visits. Data extraction was performed in November 2020, and data analysis was performed from April 2021 to April 2023. Main Outcomes and Measures Main outcomes were survival and skin manifestations (onset of skin fibrosis, digital ulcers, telangiectasias, puffy fingers). Results Among the 4263 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria, 376 (8.8%) were classified as having ssSSc (mean [SD] age, 55.3 [13.9] years; 345 [91.8%] were female). At last available visit, in comparison with 708 patients with lcSSc and 708 patients with dcSSc with the same disease duration, patients with ssSSc had a lower prevalence of previous or current digital ulcers (28.2% vs 53.1% in lcSSc; P < .001; and 68.3% in dcSSc; P < .001) and puffy fingers (63.8% vs 82.4% in lcSSc; P < .001; and 87.6% in dcSSc; P < .001). By contrast, the prevalence of interstitial lung disease was similar in ssSSc and lcSSc (49.8% and 57.1%; P = .03) but significantly higher in dcSSc (75.0%; P < .001). Skin telangiectasias were associated with diastolic dysfunction in patients with ssSSc (odds ratio, 4.778; 95% CI, 2.060-11.081; P < .001). The only independent factor for the onset of skin fibrosis in ssSSc was the positivity for anti-Scl-70 antibodies (odds ratio, 3.078; 95% CI, 1.227-7.725; P = .02). Survival rate was higher in patients with ssSSc (92.4%) compared with lcSSc (69.4%; P = .06) and dcSSc (55.5%; P < .001) after up to 15 years of follow-up. Conclusions and Relevance Systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma should not be neglected considering the high prevalence of interstitial lung disease (>40%) and SSc renal crisis (almost 3%). Patients with ssSSc had a higher survival than other subsets. Dermatologists should be aware that cutaneous findings in this subgroup may be associated with internal organ dysfunction. In particular, skin telangiectasias in ssSSc were associated with diastolic heart dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- University of Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Suiyuan Huang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | | | | | | | | | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Branimir Anic
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Zagreb School of Medicine and University Hospital Centre, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nemanja Damjanov
- Institute of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Simona Rednic
- Department of Rheumatology, Emergency County Teaching Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Camillo Ribi
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominique Farge Bancel
- Department of Internal Medicine: CRMR MATHEC, Maladies Auto-Immunes et Thérapie Cellulaire, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes Systémiques Rares d’Ile-de-France, FAI2R, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Université de Paris-Cité, Paris, France
| | | | - Armando Gabrielli
- Arche Polytechnic University, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP.CUP, Paris, France
- INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
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19
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic immune-mediated disease characterized by microangiopathy, immune dysregulation, and progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Though not fully understood, the pathogenesis of SSc is dominated by microvascular injury, endothelial dysregulation, and immune response that are thought to be associated with fibroblast activation and related fibrogenesis. Among the main clinical subsets, diffuse SSc (dSSc) is a progressive form with rapid and disseminated skin thickening accompanied by internal organ fibrosis and dysfunction. Despite recent advances and multiple randomized clinical trials in early dSSc patients, an effective disease-modifying treatment for progressive skin fibrosis is still missing, and there is a crucial need to identify new targets for therapeutic intervention. Eotaxin-2 (CCL24) is a chemokine secreted by immune cells and epithelial cells, which promotes trafficking of immune cells and activation of pro-fibrotic cells through CCR3 receptor binding. Higher levels of CCL24 and CCR3 were found in the skin and sera of patients with SSc compared with healthy controls; elevated levels of CCL24 and CCR3 were associated with fibrosis and predictive of greater lung function deterioration. Growing evidence supports the potency of a CCL24-blocking antibody as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic modulating agent in multiple preclinical models that involve liver, skin, and lung inflammation and fibrosis. This review highlights the role of CCL24 in orchestrating immune, vascular, and fibrotic pathways, and the potential of CCL24 inhibition as a novel treatment for SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexandra Balbir-Gurman
- Rheumatology Institute, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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20
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Gumkowska-Sroka O, Kotyla K, Mojs E, Palka K, Kotyla P. Novel Therapeutic Strategies in the Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1066. [PMID: 37630981 PMCID: PMC10458905 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081066] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease of unknown origin and with an unpredictable course, with both cutaneous and internal organ manifestations. Despite the enormous progress in rheumatology and clinical immunology, the background of this disease is largely unknown, and no specific therapy exists. The therapeutic approach aims to treat and preserve the function of internal organs, and this approach is commonly referred to as organ-based treatment. However, in modern times, data from other branches of medicine may offer insight into how to treat disease-related complications, making it possible to find new drugs to treat this disease. In this review, we present therapeutic options aiming to stop the progression of fibrotic processes, restore the aberrant immune response, stop improper signalling from proinflammatory cytokines, and halt the production of disease-related autoantibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Gumkowska-Sroka
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Voivodeship Hospital No. 5 in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland;
- Department of Internal Medicine Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (K.P.)
| | - Kacper Kotyla
- Department of Internal Medicine Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (K.P.)
| | - Ewa Mojs
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Klaudia Palka
- Department of Internal Medicine Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (K.P.)
| | - Przemysław Kotyla
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Voivodeship Hospital No. 5 in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland;
- Department of Internal Medicine Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Silesia, 40-055 Katowice, Poland; (K.K.); (K.P.)
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21
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Farina N, Campochiaro C, Lescoat A, Benanti G, De Luca G, Khanna D, Dagna L, Matucci-Cerinic M. Drug development and novel therapeutics to ensure a personalized approach in the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2023; 19:1131-1142. [PMID: 37366065 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2230370] [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: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic disease encompassing autoimmunity, vasculopathy, and fibrosis. SSc is still burdened by high mortality and morbidity rates. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of SSc have identified novel potential therapeutic targets. Several clinical trials have been subsequently designed to evaluate the efficacy of a number of new drugs. The aim of this review is to provide clinicians with useful information about these novel molecules. AREA COVERED In this narrative review, we summarize the available evidence regarding the most promising targeted therapies currently under investigation for the treatment of SSc. These medications include kinase inhibitors, B-cell depleting agents, and interleukin inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Over the next five years, several new, targeted drugs will be introduced in clinical practice for the treatment of SSc. Such pharmacological agents will expand the existing pharmacopoeia and enable a more personalized and effective approach to patients with SSc. Thus, it will not only possible to target a specific disease domain, but also different stages of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Farina
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - C Campochiaro
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - A Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - G Benanti
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - G De Luca
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - D Khanna
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - L Dagna
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - M Matucci-Cerinic
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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22
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Yang M, Goh V, Lee J, Espinoza M, Yuan Y, Carns M, Aren K, Chung L, Khanna D, McMahan ZH, Agrawal R, Nelson LB, Shah SJ, Whitfield ML, Hinchcliff M. Clinical Phenotypes of Patients With Systemic Sclerosis With Distinct Molecular Signatures in Skin. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2023; 75:1469-1480. [PMID: 35997480 PMCID: PMC9947190 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients are classified according to degree of skin fibrosis (limited and diffuse cutaneous [lc and dc]) and serum autoantibodies. We undertook the present multicenter study to determine whether intrinsic subset (IS) classification based upon skin gene expression yields additional valuable clinical information. METHODS SSc patients and healthy participants (HPs) were classified into Normal-like, Limited, Fibroproliferative, and Inflammatory ISs using a previously trained classifier. Clinical data were obtained (serum autoantibodies, pulmonary function testing, modified Rodnan skin thickness scores [mRSS], and high-resolution chest computed tomography [HRCT]). Statistical analyses were performed to compare patients classified by IS, traditional cutaneous classification, and serum autoantibodies. RESULTS A total of 223 participants (165 SSc [115 dcSSc and 50 lcSSc] and 58 HPs) were classified. Inflammatory IS patients had higher mRSS (22.1 ± 9.9; P < 0.001) than other ISs and dcSSc patients (19.4 ± 9.4; P = 0.05) despite similar disease duration (median [interquartile range] months 14.9 [19.9] vs. 18.4 [31.6]; P = 0.48). In multivariable modeling, no significant association between mRSS and RNA polymerase III (P = 0.07) or anti-topoisomerase I (Scl-70) (P = 0.09) was found. Radiographic interstitial lung disease (ILD) was more prevalent in Fibroproliferative IS compared with other ISs (91%; P = 0.04) with similar prevalence between lcSSc and dcSSc (67% vs. 76%; P = 0.73). Positive Scl-70 antibody was the strongest ILD predictor (P < 0.001). Interestingly, all lcSSc/Fibroproliferative patients demonstrated radiographic ILD. CONCLUSIONS Classification by IS identifies patients with distinct clinical phenotypes versus traditional cutaneous or autoantibody classification. IS classification identifies subgroups of SSc patients with more radiographic ILD (Fibroproliferative), higher mRSS (Inflammatory), and milder phenotype (Normal-like) and may provide additional clinically useful information to current SSc classification systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Yang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Vivien Goh
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jungwha Lee
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Monica Espinoza
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Yiwei Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Mary Carns
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kathleen Aren
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lorinda Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Zsuzsanna H. McMahan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rishi Agrawal
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lauren Beussink Nelson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Sanjiv J Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael L. Whitfield
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire
| | - Monique Hinchcliff
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
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23
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Lescoat A, Roofeh D, Kuwana M, Lafyatis R, Allanore Y, Khanna D. Therapeutic Approaches to Systemic Sclerosis: Recent Approvals and Future Candidate Therapies. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2023; 64:239-261. [PMID: 34468946 PMCID: PMC9034469 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-021-08891-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is the rheumatic disease with the highest individual mortality. The severity of the disease is determined by the extent of fibrotic changes to cutaneous and internal organ tissues, the most life-threatening visceral manifestations being interstitial lung disease, SSc-associated-pulmonary arterial hypertension and myocardial involvement. The heterogeneity of the disease has initially hindered the design of successful clinical trials, but considerations on classification criteria have improved patient selection in trials, allowing the identification of more homogeneous groups of patients based on progressive visceral manifestations or the extent of skin involvement with a focus of patients with early disease. Two major subsets of systemic sclerosis are classically described: limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis characterized by distal skin fibrosis and the diffuse subset with distal and proximal skin thickening. Beyond this dichotomic subgrouping of systemic sclerosis, new phenotypic considerations based on antibody subtypes have provided a better understanding of the heterogeneity of the disease, anti-Scl70 antibodies being associated with progressive interstitial lung disease regardless of cutaneous involvement. Two targeted therapies, tocilizumab (a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-6 receptors (IL-6R)) and nintedanib (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor), have recently been approved by the American Food & Drug Administration to limit the decline of lung function in patients with SSc-associated interstitial lung disease, demonstrating that such better understanding of the disease pathogenesis with the identification of key targets can lead to therapeutic advances in the management of some visceral manifestations of the disease. This review will provide a brief overview of the pathogenesis of SSc and will present a selection of therapies recently approved or evaluated in this context. Therapies evaluated and approved in SSc-ILD will be emphasized and a review of recent phase II trials in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis will be proposed. We will also discuss selected therapeutic pathways currently under investigation in systemic sclerosis that still lack clinical data in this context but that may show promising results in the future based on preclinical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - David Roofeh
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yannick Allanore
- INSERM U1016 and CNRS UMR8104, Institut Cochin, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
- Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Cochin, AP-HP.CUP, Paris, France
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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24
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Vonk MC, Assassi S, Hoffmann-Vold AM. Scleroderma Skin: How Is Treatment Best Guided by Data and Implemented in Clinical Practice? Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:249-262. [PMID: 37028833 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
As skin involvement is the hall mark of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and changes of skin involvement have shown to correlate with internal organ involvement, assessing the extend of skin involvement is key. Although the modified Rodnan skin score is a validated tool used to evaluate the skin in SSc, it has its drawbacks. Novel imagine methods are promising but should be further evaluated. As for molecule markers for skin progression there are conflicting data on the predictive significance of baseline SSc skin gene expression profiles, but immune cell type signature in SSc skin correlates with progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelon C Vonk
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Huispost 667, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen 6500HB, the Netherlands.
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Division of Rheumatology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold
- Department of Rheumatology, Oslo University Hospital - Rikshospitalet, Pb 4950, Nydalen, Oslo 0424, Norway
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25
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Domsic RT, Medsger TA, Gao S, Laffoon M, Huang S, Wisniewski S, Spino C, Steen V, Lafyatis R, Khanna D. A data-driven approach finds RNA polymerase III antibody and tendon friction rubs as enrichment tools for early diffuse scleroderma trials. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:1543-1551. [PMID: 36031807 PMCID: PMC10072884 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Clinical trials in early diffuse SSc have consistently shown a placebo group response with a declining modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), with negative outcomes. Our objective was to identify strategies using clinical characteristics or laboratory values to improve trial design. METHODS We identified early diffuse SSc patients first seen at the University of Pittsburgh from 1980-2015. Eligible patients had ≥3 visits, with at least two mRSS scores within the first year of follow-up. We performed Kaplan-Meier analyses, group-based trajectory analysis of mRSS scores, followed by multivariable regression analysis and classification tree analysis. We applied the results to the abatacept in early diffuse systemic sclerosis (ASSET) trial outcome data. RESULTS We identified 403 patients with <18 months, and 514 with <36 months disease duration. The median number of mRSS follow-up scores was 14 (interquartile range 8, 25). All methodologic approaches identified skin thickness progression rate, RNA polymerase III (RNAP3) antibody positivity and presence of tendon friction rubs (TFR) as predictors of mRSS trajectory over 5 years of follow-up, and thereby as potential enrichment variables. When applied to the ASSET data, adjustment for both RNAP3 and TFR demonstrated reduction of the placebo mRSS response, particularly at 6 months. A significant difference in the ACR Composite Response Index in Systemic Sclerosis (CRISS) score was found with adjustment by RNAP3 at 6 months, and TFR or RNAP3 at 12 months. CONCLUSION Adjustment for both RNAP3 and TFR predicts mRSS trajectory and diminished the mRSS decline in ASSET placebo group, and identified significant differences in CRISS. RNAP3, particularly, is a stratification or enrichment approach to improve early diffuse SSc trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn T Domsic
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Thomas A Medsger
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Shiyao Gao
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Maureen Laffoon
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Suiyuan Huang
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Stephen Wisniewski
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Cathie Spino
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Virginia Steen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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26
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Pope JE, Denton CP, Johnson SR, Fernandez-Codina A, Hudson M, Nevskaya T. State-of-the-art evidence in the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2023; 19:212-226. [PMID: 36849541 PMCID: PMC9970138 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-023-00909-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disease with multi-organ involvement, fibrosis and vasculopathy. Treatment in SSc, including early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) and the use of organ-specific therapies, has improved, as evident from randomized clinical trials. Treatments for early dcSSc include immunosuppressive agents such as mycophenolate mofetil, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, rituximab and tocilizumab. Patients with rapidly progressive early dcSSc might be eligible for autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which can improve survival. Morbidity from interstitial lung disease and pulmonary arterial hypertension is improving with the use of proven therapies. Mycophenolate mofetil has surpassed cyclophosphamide as the initial treatment for SSc-interstitial lung disease. Nintedanib and possibly perfinidone can be considered in SSc pulmonary fibrosis. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is frequently treated with initial combination therapy (for example, with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors and endothelin receptor antagonists) and, if necessary, the addition of a prostacyclin analogue. Raynaud phenomenon and digital ulcers are treated with dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (especially nifedipine), then phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors or intravenous iloprost. Bosentan can reduce the development of new digital ulcers. Trial data for other manifestations are mostly lacking. Research is needed to develop targeted and highly effective treatments, best practices for organ-specific screening and early intervention, and sensitive outcome measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet E Pope
- Division of Rheumatology, St Joseph's Health Care, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
| | | | - Sindhu R Johnson
- Toronto Scleroderma Program, Toronto Western Hospital, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andreu Fernandez-Codina
- Division of Rheumatology, St Joseph's Health Care, London, ON, Canada
- General Internal Medicine, Windsor Regional Hospital, Windsor, ON, Canada
- Critical Care, Emergency and Systemic Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marie Hudson
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Rheumatology and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tatiana Nevskaya
- Division of Rheumatology, St Joseph's Health Care, London, ON, Canada
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27
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Differentially expressed genes in systemic sclerosis: Towards predictive medicine with new molecular tools for clinicians. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103314. [PMID: 36918090 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare and chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a pathogenic triad of immune dysregulation, vasculopathy, and progressive fibrosis. Clinical tools commonly used to assess patients, such as the modified Rodnan skin score, difference between limited or diffuse forms of skin involvement, presence of lung, heart or kidney involvement, or of various autoantibodies, are important prognostic factors, but still fail to reflect the large heterogeneity of the disease. SSc treatment options are diverse, ranging from conventional drugs to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and predicting response is challenging. Genome-wide technologies, such as high throughput microarray analyses and RNA sequencing, allow accurate, unbiased, and broad assessment of alterations in expression levels of multiple genes. In recent years, many studies have shown robust changes in the gene expression profiles of SSc patients compared to healthy controls, mainly in skin tissues and peripheral blood cells. The objective analysis of molecular patterns in SSc is a powerful tool that can further classify SSc patients with similar clinical phenotypes and help predict response to therapy. In this review, we describe the journey from the first discovery of differentially expressed genes to the identification of enriched pathways and intrinsic subsets identified in SSc, using machine learning algorithms. Finally, we discuss the use of these new tools to predict the efficacy of various treatments, including stem cell transplantation. We suggest that the use of RNA gene expression-based classifications according to molecular subsets may bring us one step closer to precision medicine in Systemic Sclerosis.
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28
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Distler JHW, Riemekasten G, Denton CP. The Exciting Future for Scleroderma. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:445-462. [PMID: 37028846 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence shows that a complex interplay between cells and mediators and extracellular matrix factors may underlie the development and persistence of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Similar processes may determine vasculopathy. This article reviews recent progress in understanding how fibrosis becomes profibrotic and how the immune system, vascular, and mesenchymal compartment affect disease development. Early phase trials are informing about pathogenic mechanisms in vivo and reverse translation for observational and randomized trials is allowing hypotheses to be developed and tested. In addition to repurposing already available drugs, these studies are paving the way for the next generation of targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3 - Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Lübeck 23562, Germany
| | - Christopher P Denton
- Division of Medicine, Department of Inflammation, Centre for Rheumatology, University College London, London, UK.
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29
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Kayser C, Victória de Oliveira Martins L. Treatment of Inflammatory Arthritis in Systemic Sclerosis. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 2023; 49:337-343. [PMID: 37028838 DOI: 10.1016/j.rdc.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Joint involvement, including arthralgia, inflammatory arthritis, joint contractures and overlapping with rheumatoid arthritis, is a common manifestation and is associated with impared quality of life in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Few studies have evaluated the treatment of arthritis in SSc. Pharmacological approach includes low-dose corticosteroids, methotrexate, and hydroxychloroquine. Non-tumor necrosis factor biologics, especially rituximab and tocilizumab, may be a promising option for refractory cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Kayser
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu 740, 3 andar, São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Victória de Oliveira Martins
- Rheumatology Division, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), Rua Botucatu 740, 3 andar, São Paulo, São Paulo 04023-062, Brazil
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30
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Khanna D, Maher TM, Volkmann ER, Allanore Y, Smith V, Assassi S, Kreuter M, Hoffmann-Vold AM, Kuwana M, Stock C, Alves M, Sambevski S, Denton CP. Effect of nintedanib in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease and risk factors for rapid progression. RMD Open 2023; 9:rmdopen-2022-002859. [PMID: 36796874 PMCID: PMC9936273 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002859] [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: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the rate of decline in forced vital capacity (FVC), and the effect of nintedanib on the rate of decline in FVC, in subjects with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) who had risk factors for rapid decline in FVC. METHODS The SENSCIS trial enrolled subjects with SSc and fibrotic ILD of ≥10% extent on high-resolution CT. The rate of decline in FVC over 52 weeks was analysed in all subjects and in those with early SSc (<18 months since first non-Raynaud symptom), elevated inflammatory markers (C reactive protein ≥6 mg/L and/or platelets ≥330×109/L) or significant skin fibrosis (modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) 15-40 or mRSS ≥18) at baseline. RESULTS In the placebo group, the rate of decline in FVC was numerically greater in subjects with <18 months since first non-Raynaud symptom (-167.8 mL/year), elevated inflammatory markers (-100.7 mL/year), mRSS 15-40 (-121.7 mL/year) or mRSS ≥18 (-131.7 mL/year) than in all subjects (-93.3 mL/year). Nintedanib reduced the rate of FVC decline across subgroups, with a numerically greater effect in patients with these risk factors for rapid FVC decline. CONCLUSION In the SENSCIS trial, subjects with SSc-ILD who had early SSc, elevated inflammatory markers or extensive skin fibrosis had a more rapid decline in FVC over 52 weeks than the overall trial population. Nintedanib had a numerically greater effect in patients with these risk factors for rapid ILD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Khanna
- Division of Rheumatology, Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Toby M Maher
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Division of Rheumatology, University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yannick Allanore
- Department of Rheumatology A, Descartes University, APHP, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Center (IRC), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Shervin Assassi
- Division of Rheumatology, University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Kreuter
- Center for Interstitial and Rare Lung Diseases, Pneumology and Respiratory Care Medicine, Thoraxklinik, University of Heidelberg and German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Pneumology, RKH Clinic Ludwigsburg, Ludwigsburg, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Hoffmann-Vold
- Inflammatory and Fibrotic Rheumatic Disease Research Area, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Christian Stock
- Global Biostatistics and Data Sciences, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Margarida Alves
- TA Inflammation Med, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Steven Sambevski
- TA Inflammation Med, Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH, Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany
| | - Christopher P Denton
- University College London Division of Medicine, Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, London, UK
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Keyes-Elstein L, Pinckney A, Goldmuntz E, Welch B, Franks JM, Martyanov V, Wood TA, Crofford L, Mayes M, McSweeney P, Nash R, Georges G, Csuka M, Simms R, Furst D, Khanna D, St Clair EW, Whitfield ML, Sullivan KM. Clinical and Molecular Findings After Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation or Cyclophosphamide for Scleroderma: Handling Missing Longitudinal Data. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2023; 75:307-316. [PMID: 34533286 PMCID: PMC8926930 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Among individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc) randomized to cyclophosphamide (CYC) (n = 34) or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (n = 33), we examined longitudinal trends of clinical, pulmonary function, and quality of life measures while accounting for the influence of early failures on treatment comparisons. METHODS Assuming that data were missing at random, mixed-effects regression models were used to estimate longitudinal trends for clinical measures when comparing treatment groups. Results were compared to observed means and to longitudinal trends estimated from shared parameter models, assuming that data were missing not at random. Longitudinal trends for SSc intrinsic molecular subsets defined by baseline gene expression signatures (normal-like, inflammatory, and fibroproliferative signatures) were also studied. RESULTS Available observed means for pulmonary function tests appeared to improve over time in both arms. However, after accounting for participant loss, forced vital capacity in HSCT recipients increased by 0.77 percentage points/year but worsened by -3.70/year for CYC (P = 0.004). Similar results were found for diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide and quality of life indicators. Results for both analytic models were consistent. HSCT recipients in the inflammatory (n = 20) and fibroproliferative (n = 20) subsets had superior long-term trends compared to CYC for pulmonary and quality of life measures. HSCT was also superior for modified Rodnan skin thickness scores in the fibroproliferative subset. For the normal-like subset (n = 22), superiority of HSCT was less apparent. CONCLUSION Longitudinal trends estimated from 2 statistical models affirm the efficacy of HSCT over CYC in severe SSc. Failure to account for early loss of participants may distort estimated clinical trends over the long term.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ellen Goldmuntz
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD
| | - Beverly Welch
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD
| | | | | | | | - Leslie Crofford
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Maureen Mayes
- University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | - M.E. Csuka
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Robert Simms
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH
| | - Daniel Furst
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; University of Washington, Seattle, WA; University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a rare and complex autoimmune connective-tissue disease. Once considered an untreatable and unpredictable condition, research advancements have improved our understanding of its disease pathogenesis and clinical phenotypes and expanded our treatment armamentarium. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, while ongoing efforts to risk stratify patients have a central role in predicting both organ involvement and disease progression. A holistic approach is required when choosing the optimal therapeutic strategy, balancing the side-effect profile with efficacy and tailoring the treatment according to the goals of care of the patient. This Seminar reviews the multiple clinical dimensions of systemic sclerosis, beginning at a precursor very early stage of disease, with a focus on timely early detection of organ involvement. This Seminar also summarises management considerations according to the pathological hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (eg, inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy) and highlights unmet needs and opportunities for future research and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University (Hospital), Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent, Belgium
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33
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Volkmann ER, Andréasson K, Smith V. Systemic sclerosis. Lancet 2023; 401:304-318. [PMID: 36442487 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(22)01692-0.systemic] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a rare and complex autoimmune connective-tissue disease. Once considered an untreatable and unpredictable condition, research advancements have improved our understanding of its disease pathogenesis and clinical phenotypes and expanded our treatment armamentarium. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential, while ongoing efforts to risk stratify patients have a central role in predicting both organ involvement and disease progression. A holistic approach is required when choosing the optimal therapeutic strategy, balancing the side-effect profile with efficacy and tailoring the treatment according to the goals of care of the patient. This Seminar reviews the multiple clinical dimensions of systemic sclerosis, beginning at a precursor very early stage of disease, with a focus on timely early detection of organ involvement. This Seminar also summarises management considerations according to the pathological hallmarks of systemic sclerosis (eg, inflammation, fibrosis, and vasculopathy) and highlights unmet needs and opportunities for future research and discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Volkmann
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | | | - Vanessa Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine and Department of Rheumatology, Ghent University (Hospital), Ghent, Belgium; Unit for Molecular Immunology and Inflammation, VIB Inflammation Research Centre, Ghent, Belgium
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34
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Fernández-Lázaro D, Iglesias-Lázaro M, Garrosa E, Rodríguez-García S, Jerves Donoso D, Gutiérrez-Abejón E, Jorge-Finnigan C. Impact of Innovative Treatment Using Biological Drugs for the Modulation of Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59020247. [PMID: 36837449 PMCID: PMC9967997 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease affecting the connective tissue, characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. There is currently no curative treatment available, so therapeutic action is aimed at a symptomatic treatment of the affected organs. The development of biotechnology has made it possible to implement certain biological drugs that could represent a window of opportunity to modulate the evolution and symptomatology of scleroderma with greater efficacy and less toxicity than conventional treatments. This study aimed to review the current evidence critically and systematically on the effects of biological drugs on the pulmonary function, skin disease, and health status of patients afflicted by diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Three electronic databases (Pubmed, Dialnet, and Cochrane Library Plus) were systematically searched until the cut-off date of October 2022. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included original articles in English and Spanish with a controlled trial design, comparing biological drug treatments (tocilizumab, belimumab, riociguat, abatacept, and romilkimab) with a control group. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the McMaster quantitative form and the PEDro scale. A total of 383 studies were identified, 6 of them met the established criteria and were included in the present systematic review. A total of 426 patients treated with tocilizumab, belimumab, riociguat, abatacept, and romilkimab were included. The results showed substantial non-significant (p < 0.05) improvement trends after treatment with the biological drugs included in this review for the modified Rodnan Scale Value, Forced Vital Capacity, and Carbon Monoxide Diffusion Test; however, no benefits were shown on the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index when compared to the control group. Biological drugs, therefore, maybe a new therapeutic strategy for dcSSc and could be recommended as an additional and/or adjunctive treatment that promotes anti-fibrotic activity. This review could further define the clinical rationale for the use of biologics in the treatment of dcSSc and could provide key details on the study protocol, design, and outcome reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Fernández-Lázaro
- Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.F.-L.); (E.G.)
| | - María Iglesias-Lázaro
- Department of Cellular Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42004 Soria, Spain
| | - Evelina Garrosa
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Correspondence: (D.F.-L.); (E.G.)
| | - Saray Rodríguez-García
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42003 Soria, Spain
- Internal Medicine Department of Soria University Assistance Complex (CAUSO), Santa Bárbara Hospital, Castile and Leon Health (SACyL), 42005 Soria, Spain
| | - David Jerves Donoso
- Pneumology Department of Soria University Assistance Complex (CAUSO), Santa Bárbara Hospital, Castile and Leon Health (SACyL), 42003 Soria, Spain
- Department of Anatomy and Radiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42004 Soria, Spain
| | - Eduardo Gutiérrez-Abejón
- Pharmacological Big Data Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Valladolid, 47005 Valladolid, Spain
- Pharmacy Directorate, Castile and Leon Health Council, 47007 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Conrado Jorge-Finnigan
- Department of Anatomy and Radiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Valladolid, Campus of Soria, 42004 Soria, Spain
- Dermatology Department of Soria University Assistance Complex (CAUSO), Santa Bárbara Hospital, Castile and Leon Health (SACyL), 42005 Soria, Spain
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Giannini M, Ellezam B, Leclair V, Lefebvre F, Troyanov Y, Hudson M, Senécal JL, Geny B, Landon-Cardinal O, Meyer A. Scleromyositis: A distinct novel entity within the systemic sclerosis and autoimmune myositis spectrum. Implications for care and pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2023; 13:974078. [PMID: 36776390 PMCID: PMC9910219 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.974078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis and autoimmune myositis are both associated with decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Their prognosis and management largely depend on the disease subgroups. Indeed, systemic sclerosis is a heterogeneous disease, the two predominant forms of the disease being limited and diffuse scleroderma. Autoimmune myositis is also a heterogeneous group of myopathies that classically encompass necrotizing myopathy, antisynthetase syndrome, dermatomyositis and inclusion body myositis. Recent data revealed that an additional disease subset, denominated "scleromyositis", should be recognized within both the systemic sclerosis and the autoimmune myositis spectrum. We performed an in-depth review of the literature with the aim of better delineating scleromyositis. Our review highlights that this concept is supported by recent clinical, serological and histopathological findings that have important implications for patient management and understanding of the disease pathophysiology. As compared with other subsets of systemic sclerosis and autoimmune myositis, scleromyositis patients can present with a characteristic pattern of muscle involvement (i.e. distribution of muscle weakness) along with multisystemic involvement, and some of these extra-muscular complications are associated with poor prognosis. Several autoantibodies have been specifically associated with scleromyositis, but they are not currently integrated in diagnostic and classification criteria for systemic sclerosis and autoimmune myositis. Finally, striking vasculopathic lesions at muscle biopsy have been shown to be hallmarks of scleromyositis, providing a strong anatomopathological substratum for the concept of scleromyositis. These findings bring new insights into the pathogenesis of scleromyositis and help to diagnose this condition, in patients with subtle SSc features and/or no autoantibodies (i.e. "seronegative" scleromyositis). No guidelines are available for the management of these patients, but recent data are showing the way towards a new therapeutic approach dedicated to these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Giannini
- Service de Physiologie et explorations fonctionnelles, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Rares, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Unité de Recherche 3072 (UR3072), Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Benjamin Ellezam
- Division of Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Sainte-Justine, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Valérie Leclair
- Division of Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Frédéric Lefebvre
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Autoimmunity Research Laboratory, CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Yves Troyanov
- Division of Rheumatology, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur, Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie Hudson
- Division of Rheumatology, Jewish General Hospital, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Luc Senécal
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Autoimmunity Research Laboratory, CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Bernard Geny
- Service de Physiologie et explorations fonctionnelles, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Unité de Recherche 3072 (UR3072), Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Océane Landon-Cardinal
- Division of Rheumatology, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM), Autoimmunity Research Laboratory, CHUM Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada,Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Alain Meyer
- Service de Physiologie et explorations fonctionnelles, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Unité de Recherche 3072 (UR3072), Centre de Recherche en Biomédecine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,Service de rhumatologie, Centre de Référence des Maladies Autoimmunes Rares, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France,*Correspondence: Alain Meyer,
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Franks JM, Toledo DM, Martyanov V, Wang Y, Huang S, Wood TA, Spino C, Chung L, Denton CP, Derrett-Smith E, Gordon JK, Spiera R, Domsic R, Hinchcliff M, Khanna D, Whitfield ML. A genomic meta-analysis of clinical variables and their association with intrinsic molecular subsets in systemic sclerosis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 62:19-28. [PMID: 35751592 PMCID: PMC9788818 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac344] [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: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Four intrinsic molecular subsets (inflammatory, fibroproliferative, limited, normal-like) have previously been identified in SSc and are characterized by unique gene expression signatures and pathways. The intrinsic subsets have been linked to improvement with specific therapies. Here, we investigated associations between baseline demographics and intrinsic molecular subsets in a meta-analysis of published datasets. METHODS Publicly available gene expression data from skin biopsies of 311 SSc patients measured by DNA microarray were classified into the intrinsic molecular subsets. RNA-sequencing data from 84 participants from the ASSET trial were used as a validation cohort. Baseline clinical demographics and intrinsic molecular subsets were tested for statistically significant associations. RESULTS Males were more likely to be classified in the fibroproliferative subset (P = 0.0046). SSc patients who identified as African American/Black were 2.5 times more likely to be classified as fibroproliferative compared with White/Caucasian patients (P = 0.0378). ASSET participants sera positive for anti-RNA pol I and RNA pol III autoantibodies were enriched in the inflammatory subset (P = 5.8 × 10-5, P = 9.3 × 10-5, respectively), while anti-Scl-70 was enriched in the fibroproliferative subset. Mean modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) was statistically higher in the inflammatory and fibroproliferative subsets compared with normal-like (P = 0.0027). The average disease duration for inflammatory subset was less than fibroproliferative and normal-like intrinsic subsets (P = 8.8 × 10-4). CONCLUSIONS We identified multiple statistically significant differences in baseline demographics between the intrinsic subsets that may represent underlying features of disease pathogenesis (e.g. chronological stages of fibrosis) and have implications for treatments that are more likely to work in certain SSc populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana M Toledo
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | | | - Yue Wang
- Department of Biomedical Data Science
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | - Suiyuan Huang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Tammara A Wood
- Department of Biomedical Data Science
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | - Cathie Spino
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lorinda Chung
- Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dinesh Khanna
- Correspondence to: Michael L. Whitfield, Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, HB 7261, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. E-mail: ; Dinesh Khanna, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Suite 7C27, 300 North Ingalls Street, SP C 5422, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. E-mail:
| | - Michael L Whitfield
- Correspondence to: Michael L. Whitfield, Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, HB 7261, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA. E-mail: ; Dinesh Khanna, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, Suite 7C27, 300 North Ingalls Street, SP C 5422, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. E-mail:
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Mehta BK, Espinoza ME, Franks JM, Yuan Y, Wang Y, Wood T, Gudjonsson JE, Spino C, Fox DA, Khanna D, Whitfield ML. Machine-learning classification identifies patients with early systemic sclerosis as abatacept responders via CD28 pathway modulation. JCI Insight 2022; 7:155282. [PMID: 36355434 PMCID: PMC9869963 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.155282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, the efficacy of abatacept in patients with early diffuse systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) was analyzed to test the hypothesis that patients in the inflammatory intrinsic subset would show the most significant clinical improvement. Eighty-four participants with dcSSc were randomized to receive abatacept or placebo for 12 months. RNA-Seq was performed on 233 skin paired biopsies at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Improvement was defined as a 5-point or more than 20% change in modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) between baseline and 12 months. Samples were assigned to intrinsic gene expression subsets (inflammatory, fibroproliferative, or normal-like subsets). In the abatacept arm, change in mRSS was most pronounced for the inflammatory and normal-like subsets relative to the placebo subset. Gene expression for participants on placebo remained in the original molecular subset, whereas inflammatory participants treated with abatacept had gene expression that moved toward the normal-like subset. The Costimulation of the CD28 Family Reactome Pathway decreased in patients who improved on abatacept and was specific to the inflammatory subset. Patients in the inflammatory subset had elevation of the Costimulation of the CD28 Family pathway at baseline relative to that of participants in the fibroproliferative and normal-like subsets. There was a correlation between improved ΔmRSS and baseline expression of the Costimulation of the CD28 Family pathway. This study provides an example of precision medicine in systemic sclerosis clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaven K. Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Monica E. Espinoza
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jennifer M. Franks
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Yiwei Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Tammara Wood
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Johann E. Gudjonsson
- Department of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence and University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Cathie Spino
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - David A. Fox
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence and University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Clinical Autoimmunity Center of Excellence and University of Michigan Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael L. Whitfield
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Department of Molecular & Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
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Fang D, Chen B, Lescoat A, Khanna D, Mu R. Immune cell dysregulation as a mediator of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:683-693. [DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00864-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Ross L, Nikpour M, D'Aoust J, Khanna D, Merkel PA, Pauling JD, Baron M. Patient and Physician Global Assessments of Disease Status in Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2022. [PMID: 36342397 DOI: 10.1002/acr.25056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Global assessments of disease by both patients and physicians are widely used in clinical studies of systemic sclerosis (SSc). They are commonly secondary end points in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and are considered important items in composite measures of treatment response. A comprehensive literature review was conducted of the formats, wording, and clinimetric properties of the patient global assessment of disease status (PtGA) and physician global assessment of disease status (PhGA) used in RCTs of SSc. Marked heterogeneity was found in the wording and measurement scales of the global assessments applied in RCTs. These instruments were not developed using rigorous methodology and have not been fully validated. There is a pressing need for standardization and validation of patient and physician global assessment tools in SSc to enable universal application of these measures across RCTs in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ross
- The University of Melbourne at St Vincent's Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- The University of Melbourne at St Vincent's Hospital and St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julie D'Aoust
- The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Murray Baron
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Santiago T, Santos EJF, Luis M, Gaspar C, Lima J, Caramelo F, da Silva JAP. Normal percentile reference curves for skin ultrasound thickness and stiffness at Rodnan sites. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002577. [PMID: 36323485 PMCID: PMC9639157 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Our primary objective was to establish preliminary normal reference curves for ultrasound–dermal thickness and skin stiffness in the 17 Rodnan skin sites, considering the effect of gender and age on these measures. As an exploratory objective, we investigated the effect of body mass index and the menopause on skin ultrasound measures. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 140 healthy volunteers, aged 20–79 years. Recruitment was stratified by gender and age (10-year categories). Ultrasound–dermal thickness and skin stiffness were assessed by high-frequency ultrasound and shear-wave elastography, respectively, at the 17 Rodnan skin sites. Outcomes were evaluated through a mixed linear model, univariate and multivariate regressions. Normal reference curves were derived for both ultrasound measures in each skin site. An online calculator of the percentiles of skin ultrasound measures was developed. Results Ultrasound–dermal thickness and stiffness measures were higher in men than women in all Rodnan skin sites (except in chest for ultrasound–dermal thickness). Age had also a significant impact in both ultrasound measures, but only in some skin sites. Gender and age percentile curves (97.5th, 95th, 75th, 50th, 25th, 5th, 2.5th) were plotted for each of the measures in each skin site. Conclusions Gender and age are strongly associated with skin ultrasound parameters, imposing the need for gender-specific and age-specific reference values. Normal reference percentile curves are provided as a basis for future cooperative work to strengthen its evidence basis, representativeness and refinement regarding potentially influential factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Santiago
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Mariana Luis
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Gaspar
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Lima
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Jose Antonio Pereira da Silva
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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Zheng B, Wang M, McKenna K, Shapiro L, Silver R, Csuka ME, van den Hoogen F, Robinson D, Pauling JD, Hummers L, Krieg T, Del Galdo F, Spiera R, Jones N, Khalidi N, Vacca A, de Vries-Bouwstra JK, Gordon J, Baron M. Agreement Between Physician Evaluation and the Composite Response Index in Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2022; 74:1806-1812. [PMID: 38662853 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a highly heterogeneous disease. A provisionally approved Composite Response Index in diffuse cutaneous SSc (CRISS) was developed as a 1-year outcome measure for clinical trials. Our goal was to further validate the CRISS by examining agreement between CRISS definitions for improved/non-improved with physicians' evaluation of disease. METHODS Patient profiles from a large observational cohort were created for 50 random diffuse cutaneous SSc patients of <5 years disease duration with improved CRISS scores after 1 year and 50 with non-improved CRISS scores. Profiles described disease features used during the initial CRISS development at baseline and at 1 year. Each profile was independently rated by 3 expert physicians. Majority opinion determined whether a patient was improved or not improved, and kappa agreement with the CRISS cutoff of 0.6 was calculated. RESULTS Patients had mean ± SD disease duration of 2.2 ± 1.3 years. There was substantial agreement between the physician majority opinion about each case and the CRISS (κ = 0.76 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.64-0.88]). The agreement between each individual physician opinion and the CRISS was also substantial (κ = 0.70 [95% CI 0.62-0.78]). All CRISS non-improvers were also rated as non-improved by physician majority; however, 12 CRISS improvers were rated as non-improved by physicians. CONCLUSION There was substantial agreement between the dichotomous CRISS rating and physician assessment of diffuse cutaneous SSc patients after 1 year. This supports the use of a CRISS cutoff at 0.6 for improvement versus non-improvement, although the CRISS tended to rate more patients as improved than did physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boyang Zheng
- McGill University, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mianbo Wang
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kerry McKenna
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lee Shapiro
- Albany Medical College, The Center for Rheumatology, Albany, New York
| | | | | | | | | | - John D Pauling
- Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Niall Jones
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Murray Baron
- McGill University, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Radziszewska A, Moulder Z, Jury EC, Ciurtin C. CD8 + T Cell Phenotype and Function in Childhood and Adult-Onset Connective Tissue Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11431. [PMID: 36232733 PMCID: PMC9569696 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that destroy pathogen infected and malignant cells through release of cytolytic molecules and proinflammatory cytokines. Although the role of CD8+ T cells in connective tissue diseases (CTDs) has not been explored as thoroughly as that of other immune cells, research focusing on this key component of the immune system has recently gained momentum. Aberrations in cytotoxic cell function may have implications in triggering autoimmunity and may promote tissue damage leading to exacerbation of disease. In this comprehensive review of current literature, we examine the role of CD8+ T cells in systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, and dermatomyositis with specific focus on comparing what is known about CD8+ T cell peripheral blood phenotypes, CD8+ T cell function, and CD8+ T cell organ-specific profiles in adult and juvenile forms of these disorders. Although, the precise role of CD8+ T cells in the initiation of autoimmunity and disease progression remains to be elucidated, increasing evidence indicates that CD8+ T cells are emerging as an attractive target for therapy in CTDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Radziszewska
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London WC1E 6JF, UK
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Zachary Moulder
- University College London Medical School, University College London, London WC1E 6DE, UK
| | - Elizabeth C. Jury
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Coziana Ciurtin
- Centre for Adolescent Rheumatology Versus Arthritis at University College London (UCL), University College London Hospital (UCLH), Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), London WC1E 6JF, UK
- Centre for Rheumatology Research, Division of Medicine, University College London, London WC1E 6JF, UK
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The Role of T Cells in Systemic Sclerosis: An Update. IMMUNO 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno2030034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease characterized by microvasculopathy, autoantibodies (autoAbs), and fibrosis. The pathogenesis of the disease is incompletely understood. Microvasculopathy and autoAbs appear very early in the disease process. AutoAbs, such as those directed against DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I), are disease specific and associated with disease manifestations, and indicate activation of the adaptive immune system. B cells are involved in fibrosis in SSc. T cells are also involved in disease pathogenesis. T cells show signs of antigen-induced activation; T cells of TH2 type are increased and produce profibrotic cytokines interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13, and IL-31; CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes are increased in skin lesions, and cause fibrosis and endothelial cell apoptosis; circulating T follicular helper (TFH) cells are increased in SSc produce IL-21 and promote plasmablast antibody production. On the other hand, regulatory T cells are impaired in SSc. These findings provide strong circumstantial evidence for T cell implication in SSc pathogenesis and encourage new T cell-directed therapeutic strategies for the disease.
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Krausz M, Uhlmann A, Rump IC, Ihorst G, Goldacker S, Sogkas G, Posadas-Cantera S, Schmidt R, Feißt M, Alsina L, Dybedal I, Recher M, Warnatz K, Grimbacher B. The ABACHAI clinical trial protocol: Safety and efficacy of abatacept (s.c.) in patients with CTLA-4 insufficiency or LRBA deficiency: A non controlled phase 2 clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2022; 30:101008. [PMID: 36262801 PMCID: PMC9573884 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2022.101008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) insufficiency and lipopolysaccharide-responsive and beige-like anchor protein (LRBA) deficiency are both complex immune dysregulation syndromes with an underlying regulatory T cell dysfunction due to the lack of CTLA-4 protein. As anticipated, the clinical phenotypes of CTLA-4 insufficiency and LRBA deficiency are similar. Main manifestations include hypogammaglobulinemia, lymphoproliferation, autoimmune cytopenia, immune-mediated respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, and skin involvement, which can be severe and disabling. The rationale of this clinical trial is to improve clinical outcomes of affected patients by substituting the deficient CTLA-4 by administration of CTLA4-Ig (abatacept) as a causative personalized treatment. Objectives Our objective is to assess the safety and efficacy of abatacept for patients with CTLA-4 insufficiency or LRBA deficiency. The study will also investigate how treatment with abatacept affects the patients’ quality of life. Methods /Design: ABACHAI is a phase IIa prospective, non-randomized, open-label, single arm multi-center trial. Altogether 20 adult patients will be treated with abatacept 125 mg s.c. on a weekly basis for 12 months, including (1) patients already pretreated with abatacept, and (2) patients not pretreated, starting with abatacept therapy at the baseline study visit. For the evaluation of drug safety infection control during the trial, for efficacy, the CHAI-Morbidity Score will be used. Trial registration The trial is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien, DRKS) with the identity number DRKS00017736, registered: 6 July 2020, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00017736. Clinical trial for safety and efficacy of abatacept in CTLA-4 or LRBA deficiency. Substitution of CTLA4-deficiency by abatacept, a causative treatment approach. Primary endpoint: no. of episodes of failed infection control under trial treatment. Development of disease severity score.
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Treatment of juvenile localized scleroderma: current recommendations, response factors, and potential alternative treatments. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2022; 34:245-254. [PMID: 35880663 DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Juvenile localized scleroderma (jLS) is a chronic autoimmune and fibrosing disease associated with a high risk for functional impairment. Antifibrotic options are limited, so current treatment strategies are focused on disease activity control. Pediatric rheumatologists are in consensus on the need to treat with systemic immunosuppressants, in particular, methotrexate. However, more than 30% of patients fail initial methotrexate treatment. This review provides an update on current management and reviews reports on potential alternative treatments. RECENT FINDINGS An overview of current treatment recommendations and its efficacy are discussed. Recent studies have identified several factors associated with likelihood of treatment response. These include time to initiation of treatment, certain subtypes, and extracutaneous involvement. Findings from recent reports of alternative systemic immunomodulators, including biologic medications, will be summarized. SUMMARY Methotrexate treatment has greatly improved outcome for most jLS patients but a substantial portion have refractory cutaneous and/or extracutaneous disease. Treatment response factors are being identified, which could lead to improved management strategies. Recent studies provide further support on mycophenolate mofetil as an alternative treatment. Data on biologic therapies is encouraging, with data suggesting efficacy for many extracutaneous manifestations but more studies are needed to evaluate these and other options for jLS.
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Jin W, Zheng Y, Zhu P. T cell abnormalities in systemic sclerosis. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103185. [PMID: 36031049 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with a poor prognosis. To date, the pathogenesis of SSc is still unclear; moreover, its pathological conditions include microvascular damage, inflammation, and immune abnormalities. Different types of T cells may cause vasculitis and fibrosis in SSc by means of up- and down-regulation of cell surface molecules, abnormal release of pro-fibrotic or pro-inflammatory cytokines and direct contact with fibroblasts. These T cells, which are mainly CD4 + T cells, include the subtypes, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, regulatory T Cells (Treg), interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing Th17 cells, CD4+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and angiogenic T (Tang) cells. In addition to the Th1/Th2 imbalance, which has long been established, there is also a Th17/Treg imbalance in SSc. This imbalance may be closely related to the abnormal immune status of SSc. There is mounting evidence that suggest T cell abnormalities may be crucial to the pathogenesis of SSc. In terms of treatment, existing therapies that target T cells, such as immunosuppressive therapy (tacrolimus), Janus kinase(JAK) inhibitors, and biologics(abatacept), have had some success. Other non-drug therapies, including Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have extensive and complex mechanisms of action actually including T cell regulation. Based on the current evidence, we believe that the study of T cells will further our understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc, and may lead to more targeted treatment optionsfor patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Jin
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China; National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Xi'an, PR China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, PR China; National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine, Xi'an, PR China.
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Lescoat A, Sandler RD, Zimmermann F, Roofeh D, Hughes M, Pauling JD, Murphy SL, Chen YT, Townsend W, Buch MH, Khanna D. Domains and outcome measures for the assessment of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis: an international collaborative scoping review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:3132-3148. [PMID: 35094049 PMCID: PMC9338174 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to comprehensively identify instruments within relevant domains employed to assess lcSSc since the endorsement of its consensus definition in 1988. The overall objective is to inform the creation of a Combined Response Index for Scleroderma Trials Assessing lcSSc (CRISTAL). METHODS MEDLINE and Embase were searched using terms selected to comprehensively retrieve titles and abstracts mentioning both lcSSc and dcSSc, along with those only mentioning lcSSc, SSc sine scleroderma, limited SSc and/or CREST/CRST. Because our initial assessment of the literature revealed that very few studies included only lcSSc subjects, we also assessed literature that included both cutaneous subsets. A total of 3964 titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers, and 270 articles were selected for data extraction. RESULTS We identified 27 domains encompassing 459 instruments. Instruments from 'Skin involvement', 'Pulmonary involvement' and 'Health-related quality of life and general functioning' were the most frequently retrieved. Among the 15 most represented instruments announced as primary end points in efficacy or effectiveness studies, 7 were clinician-reported outcomes (ROs), 7 were patient ROs, and one was a performance outcome (6 min-walk test). The mean proportion of lcSSc patients in studies of lcSSc, including studies that mention both lcSSc and dcSSc, was 56.4%, demonstrating that this subset is underrepresented in the literature, given that the prevalence of lcSSc ranges from 60% to 80% in national registries and international cohorts. CONCLUSION This scoping literature review provides a comprehensive identification of domains and outcomes used to assess lcSSc. Our results also highlight that lcSSc is underrepresented in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Lescoat
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) – UMR_S 1085
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Robert D Sandler
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield
| | - François Zimmermann
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
| | - David Roofeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Michael Hughes
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield
| | - John D Pauling
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Royal United Hospitals, Bath, UK
| | - Susan L Murphy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Michigan
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, GRECC
| | - Yen T Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Michigan
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, GRECC
| | - Whitney Townsend
- Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Maya H Buch
- Department of Rheumatology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, University of Manchester
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Dinesh Khanna
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology
- Department of Internal Medicine, Scleroderma Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Assessment of disease outcome measures in systemic sclerosis. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2022; 18:527-541. [PMID: 35859133 DOI: 10.1038/s41584-022-00803-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of disease activity in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is challenging owing to its heterogeneous manifestations across multiple organ systems, the variable rate of disease progression and regression, and the relative paucity of patients in early-phase therapeutic trials. Despite some recent successes, most clinical trials have failed to show efficacy, underscoring the need for improved outcome measures linked directly to disease pathogenesis, particularly applicable for biomarker studies focused on skin disease. Current outcome measures in SSc-associated interstitial lung disease and SSc skin disease are largely adequate, although advancing imaging technology and the incorporation of skin mRNA biomarkers might provide opportunities for earlier detection of the therapeutic effect. Biomarkers can further inform pathogenesis, enabling early phase trials to act as reverse translational studies through the incorporation of routine high-throughput sequencing.
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Santiago T, Santos EJF, Ruaro B, Lepri G, Green L, Wildt M, Watanabe S, Lescoat A, Hesselstrand R, Del Galdo F, Pauling JD, Reeve LJ, D'Agostino MA, Matucci-Cerinic M, Iagnocco A, da Silva JAP. Recommendations for the execution and reporting of skin ultrasound in systemic sclerosis: an international collaboration under the WSF skin ultrasound group. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2022-002371. [PMID: 35850975 PMCID: PMC9297224 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Ultrasound is a promising tool to foster much-needed improvement of skin assessment in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our aim was to develop evidence and expert opinion-based recommendations to promote the standardisation and harmonisation of technical execution and reporting of skin ultrasound studies in SSc. Methods A multidisciplinary task force of 16 members from five European countries and Japan was convened under the auspices of World Scleroderma Foundation. First, a systematic literature review (SLR) was performed. Then, each member proposed and formulated items to the overarching principles, recommendations and research agenda. Two rounds of mails exchange for consensus as well as an on-line meeting were performed to debate and refine the proposals. Two Delphi rounds of voting resulted in the final recommendations. Levels of evidence and strengths of recommendations were assigned, and task force members voted anonymously on the level of agreement with each of the items. Results Five overarching principles and seven recommendations were developed, based on an SLR and expert opinion, through consensus procedures. The overarching principles highlight the promising role of skin ultrasound in SSc assessment, the need for standardisation of technical aspects, sufficient training and adequate equipment. The recommendations provide standards for the execution and reporting of skin ultrasound in SSc. The research agenda includes the need for more research into unmet needs according to Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Algorithm requirements. Conclusion These are the first recommendations providing guidance on the execution and reporting of skin ultrasound in SSc patients, aiming at improving the interpretability, reliability and generalisability of skin ultrasound, thus consolidating its role in research and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Santiago
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Barbara Ruaro
- Pulmonology, University Hospital of Cattinara, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gemma Lepri
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorraine Green
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine Section of Musculoskeletal Disease, Leeds, UK
| | - Marie Wildt
- Department of Rheumatology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Shinji Watanabe
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Alain Lescoat
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | | | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Scleroderma Programme, NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds, UK
| | - John D Pauling
- Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust, Bath, UK.,Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | | | - Maria Antonieta D'Agostino
- Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Roma, Italy.,Catholic University of the Sacred Heart Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Matucci-Cerinic
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy
| | - Annamaria Iagnocco
- Academic Rheumatology Centre, Department of Clinical and Biological Science, University of Turin, Tourin, Italy
| | - Jose Antonio Pereira da Silva
- Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra EPE, Coimbra, Portugal.,Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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The promise of precision medicine in rheumatology. Nat Med 2022; 28:1363-1371. [PMID: 35788174 PMCID: PMC9513842 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-022-01880-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARDs) exhibit extensive heterogeneity in clinical presentation, disease course, and treatment response. Therefore, precision medicine - whereby treatment is tailored according to the underlying pathogenic mechanisms of an individual patient at a specific time - represents the 'holy grail' in SARD clinical care. Current strategies include treat-to-target therapies and autoantibody testing for patient stratification; however, these are far from optimal. Recent innovations in high-throughput 'omic' technologies are now enabling comprehensive profiling at multiple levels, helping to identify subgroups of patients who may taper off potentially toxic medications or better respond to current molecular targeted therapies. Such advances may help to optimize outcomes and identify new pathways for treatment, but there are many challenges along the path towards clinical translation. In this Review, we discuss recent efforts to dissect cellular and molecular heterogeneity across multiple SARDs and future directions for implementing stratification approaches for SARD treatment in the clinic.
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