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Jaïs M, Roblot P, Maillot F, Hamidou M, Enfrein A, Lescoat A, Puyade M, Martin M, Perier A. Belimumab corticosteroid-sparing treatment in systemic lupus erythematosus: a real-life observational study (BESST study). Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:2465-2471. [PMID: 38687385 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05589-2] [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: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Data about the impact of Belimumab on corticosteroid sparing in real life are scarce. To assess the corticosteroid-sparing effect among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) treated with Belimumab in real-life settings. Multicentric observational retrospective study including patients with SLE and having received Belimumab for at least 6 months between 2011 and 2020, in eight French hospitals. "Low dose" referred to patients receiving up to 7.5 mg of prednisone a day and "Very low dose" to those receiving strictly ≤ 5 mg prednisone a day The primary endpoint was the reduction of daily prednisone dose after six months of Belimumab. The secondary endpoint was a change in the proportion of patients with low or very low dose of prednisone as well as those without prednisone during the Belimumab course. Censoring occurred for patients who stopped Belimumab. Bivariate analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Thirty patients were included. All were female with a median age of 38 years. A significant reduction in prednisone dose was observed at month 6 (10 [7-20] vs 6.75 [2-9] mg, p < 0.0001), continued until month 12 (10 [7-20] mg vs 5 [0-7.12] mg, p < 0.001) and was sustained until month 24. The proportion of patients with very low dose of prednisone and those without prednisone progressively increased during the Belimumab course. Introducing Belimumab in patients with SLE, in real-life conditions, is associated with early and sustained corticosteroid-sparing effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Jaïs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Poitiers University Hospital, 2 Rue de La Milétrie, 86021, Poitiers Cedex, France
| | - Pascal Roblot
- Department of Internal Medicine, Poitiers University Hospital, 2 Rue de La Milétrie, 86021, Poitiers Cedex, France
- University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - François Maillot
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Tours University Hospital, Tours, France
- University of Tours, Tours, France
| | - Mohamed Hamidou
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
- University of Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Antoine Enfrein
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - Alain Lescoat
- Department of Internal Medicine, Rennes University Hospital, Rennes, France
- University of Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Mathieu Puyade
- Department of Internal Medicine, Poitiers University Hospital, 2 Rue de La Milétrie, 86021, Poitiers Cedex, France
- CIC-1402, Poitiers University Hospital, Poitiers, France
| | - Mickaël Martin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Poitiers University Hospital, 2 Rue de La Milétrie, 86021, Poitiers Cedex, France.
- University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
- INSERM U1313, University of Poitiers, B36, 86000, Poitiers, France.
| | - Amandine Perier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Niort Hospital, Niort, France.
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Gamba A, Depascale R, Zanatta E, Ienna L, Cruciani C, Gatto M, Zen M, Doria A, Iaccarino L. Effectiveness and safety of low dose Rituximab as remission-maintenance treatment for patients with refractory idiopathic inflammatory myopathies: results of a retrospective study from a monocentric cohort. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:3167-3174. [PMID: 39196499 PMCID: PMC11442668 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-024-07079-z] [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: 05/12/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim was to assess efficacy and safety of Rituximab (RTX) in patients with refractory Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) from a monocentric cohort. Thereafter, we evaluated the efficacy of a low-dose RTX regimen as a remission-maintenance therapy. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated a cohort of patients affected with IIM treated with RTX. All patients were refractory to glucocorticoids (GC) and at least one immunosuppressant. Two infusions of 1 g two weeks apart were considered as standard cycle of RTX, a single dose of 1 g every six months was deemed as a low-dose RTX regimen. Complete and partial response were defined according to physician's judgment, laboratory and radiological features. RESULTS Thirty-six patients affected with IIM were enrolled. Eighteen patients (50%) required the use of RTX for muscular involvement, 6 (16.7%) for interstitial lung disease (ILD), 12 (33.3%) for both myositis and ILD. We observed complete response to RTX in 25 patients (69.4%), partial response in 7 (19.4%) and no response in 4 (11.1%), with an overall response of 88.8% (partial and complete response). From the subgroup of twenty-five patients that achieved a complete response, six were treated with a low dose maintenance therapy maintaining a complete response to RTX. Twenty-six patients who achieved a complete or partial response were able to decrease the mean daily GC dose. Infections were the major adverse events detected in our study. CONCLUSIONS RTX shows favorable outcomes in refractory patients with IIM. A low-dose regimen of RTX appears to be effective in maintaining remission after induction with standard dose. Key Points • The precise pathogenic mechanism of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) remains elusive; however, a growing body of data support the autoimmune hypothesis. In this context, rituximab, a B cell-depleting agent, has emerged as a second-line therapeutic option in IIM. • Several studies have assessed It its effectiveness in refractory IIM patients. • Limited information exists on the use of Rituximab as maintenance therapy in patients who have achieved remission following induction therapy with Rituximab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gamba
- Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Depascale
- Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zanatta
- Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luana Ienna
- Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio Cruciani
- Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Academic Rheumatology Centre, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, AO Mauriziano di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128, Padova, Italy.
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Gatto M, Zen M, Cruciani C, Iaccarino L, Doria A. Navigating the landscape of SLE treatment: An expert viewpoint on the rationality and limitations of early biologic intervention. Autoimmun Rev 2024:103612. [PMID: 39218330 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2024.103612] [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: 07/20/2024] [Revised: 08/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
The approval of biologics, namely belimumab and anifrolumab, is being a game-changer in the approach to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Currently we are indeed facing a revolution in the treatment paradigm of SLE, encompassing early combination of biologics with standard treatment in severe manifestations. In this regard, a lively discussion is taking place regarding the better positioning of biologics in the treatment of not necessarily severe, yet refractory and/or disfiguring manifestations which expose patients to worsened quality of life, reduced workability and enhanced risk of organ damage especially related to the misuse of glucocorticoids in the long run. Growing evidence supports the early use of targeted treatments in those patients, including the use of biologics before traditional immunosuppression, to achieve control of disease activity while minimizing treatment-related damage, privileging the timely use of therapeutics selectively impacting on key disease mechanisms in spite of a widespread immunosuppression. Patient profiling on a clinical and endotypical basis is helping in identifying better candidates to targeted drugs. More inflammatory organ involvement including persistent arthritis and infiltrating skin lesions seem likely to respond to anifrolumab, while B-mediated manifestations, a lively serology and a relapsing-remitting SLE course hint at a suitable role for belimumab. This seems at least partially connected to the inner effect of either drug, dampening inflammation through down-regulation of interferon signalling in the case of anifrolumab, while plastically modulating the B cell pool composition and function when coming to belimumab. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of both drugs are immunologically entangled at some extent, thereby requiring careful management especially in patients with longer disease history burdened with mixed manifestations. In this viewpoint we go over pros and cons of anticipatory biologic use in SLE, exploring features linked with better efficacy of either drug and the pathogenic and practical rationale for their positioning before traditional immunosuppression in moderate refractory SLE to be optimally managed in the 21st Century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariele Gatto
- Academic Rheumatology Centre, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Margherita Zen
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Claudio Cruciani
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
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Parodis I, Lindblom J, Levy RA, Zen M, Cetrez N, Gomez A, Oon S, Henning C, Khamashta M, Quasny HA, Chauhan D, Askanase A, van Vollenhoven R, Nikpour M. Attainment of remission and low disease activity after treatment with belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a post-hoc analysis of pooled data from five randomised clinical trials. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2024:S2665-9913(24)00162-0. [PMID: 39208825 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(24)00162-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease remission or low disease activity are key treatment targets for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Pivotal trials of belimumab were conducted before the introduction of these targets. In this study, we aimed to pool data across trials to assess attainment of remission and low disease activity in a large, racially and culturally diverse patient population with SLE. METHODS In this integrated post-hoc analysis, we pooled data from five phase 3 trials of belimumab (BLISS-76 [NCT00410384], BLISS-52 [NCT00424476], BLISS-NEA [NCT01345253], BLISS-SC [NCT01484496], and EMBRACE [NCT01632241]), in patients with active, autoantibody-positive SLE. Patients were randomly assigned to receive belimumab (10 mg/kg per month intravenously or 200 mg per week subcutaneously) or placebo, plus standard therapy. The proportion of patients with Definitions of Remission in SLE (DORIS) remission and lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) were analysed every 4 weeks from week 4 to week 52 for belimumab versus placebo, using modified Poisson regression adjusted for trial variance, in all patients and in subgroups per baseline SLE Disease Activity Index-2000 score (<10 or ≥10); anti-double stranded DNA positivity (yes or no); low complement 3 (C3) or C4 levels (yes or no); anti-dsDNA positivity or low C3 or C4 levels (yes and no); prednisone-equivalent dose (≤7·5 mg per day or >7·5 mg per day); antimalarial use (yes or no); and by race (Black African ancestry or African American, Asian, Indigenous American, or White). FINDINGS Data for 3086 patients (1869 in the belimumab group and 1217 in the placebo group) were analysed. 2913 (94%) of 3086 patients were women and 173 (6%) were men, and the median age was 36 years (IQR 28-45). The proportion of patients with DORIS remission was significantly higher in the belimumab group than the placebo group at weeks 28, 48, and 52 (week 52: 148 [8%] of 1869 participants vs 68 [6%] of 1217 participants; risk ratio 1·51 [95% CI 1·15-1·99]; p=0·0055). The proportion of patients who attained LLDAS was higher in the belimumab group than the placebo group at weeks 8, 24, 32-52 (week 52: 322 [17%] of 1869 participants vs 125 [10%] of 1217 participants; 1·74 [1·44-2·12]; p<0·0001). A higher proportion of patients had DORIS remission at week 52 in the belimumab group than the placebo group among all baseline subgroups denoting high disease activity, with the exception of those on a prednisone-equivalent dose higher than 7·5 mg per day in whom there was no difference for DORIS remission with belimumab versus placebo. The proportion of patients with LLDAS was significantly higher among patients in the belimuab group than those who received placebo from week 44 in all baseline subgroups denoting high disease activity or earlier in some subgroups, and the differences were maintained at week 52. INTERPRETATION In adults with active SLE, belimumab plus standard therapy yielded greater benefit than placebo plus standard therapy in attaining DORIS remission (for which low rates were attained in both groups) and LLDAS, with differences observed as early as week 28 for DORIS remission and week 8 for LLDAS. FUNDING Swedish Rheumatism Association, King Gustaf V's 80-year Foundation, Swedish Society of Medicine, Nyckelfonden, Professor Nanna Svartz Foundation, Ulla and Roland Gustafsson Foundation, Region Stockholm, and the Karolinska Institutet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Julius Lindblom
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roger A Levy
- Global Medical Affairs, GSK, Collegeville, PA, USA.
| | - Margherita Zen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Nursen Cetrez
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alvaro Gomez
- Department of Medicine Solna, Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shereen Oon
- Department of Rheumatology, University of Melbourne at St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Deven Chauhan
- Value Evidence and Outcomes, GSK, Brentford, Middlesex, UK
| | - Anca Askanase
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald van Vollenhoven
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mandana Nikpour
- Department of Rheumatology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Sydney, The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Bertsias G, Yazdany J. Achievable but elusive: LLDAS and DORIS remission in clinical trials of belimumab. THE LANCET. RHEUMATOLOGY 2024:S2665-9913(24)00231-5. [PMID: 39208826 DOI: 10.1016/s2665-9913(24)00231-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- George Bertsias
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion 71008, Greece.
| | - Jinoos Yazdany
- Division of Rheumatology, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA; University of California in San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Rubin B, Chen Y, Worley K, Rabideau B, Wu B, Chang R, DerSarkissian M. Improved Health Outcomes in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Following Early Belimumab Initiation Without Prior Immunosuppressant Use: A Real-World Descriptive Study. Rheumatol Ther 2024; 11:947-962. [PMID: 38847995 PMCID: PMC11264657 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-024-00675-0] [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: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have variable treatment pathways, including antimalarials, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and/or biologics. This study describes differences in clinical outcomes when initiating belimumab (BEL) before and after immunosuppressant use. METHODS This real-world, retrospective cohort study (GSK Study 217536) used de-identified administrative claims data from January 2015 to December 2022 in the Komodo Health Database. Adults with moderate/severe SLE initiating BEL (index date) were identified from January 2017 to May 2022, allowing a ≥ 24-month baseline period. Patients were stratified into those initiating BEL before immunosuppressant use (no immunosuppressant use within 24 months before index) and those initiating BEL after immunosuppressant use (one immunosuppressant used within 24 months before index). Oral glucocorticoid (OGC) use, SLE flares, new organ damage, and all-cause healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) were analyzed descriptively over a 24-month follow-up. RESULTS Baseline SLE severity was similar for patients initiating BEL before (n = 2295) versus after (n = 4114) immunosuppressant use (moderate, 83.1% vs 79.0%; severe, 16.8% vs 21.0%). Patients initiating BEL before versus after immunosuppressant use had lower SLE flare rates and OGC use. Post-index, patients initiating BEL before versus after immunosuppressant use discontinued their OGC sooner (moderate baseline SLE, 4.5 vs 8.9 months; severe baseline SLE, 6.2 vs 11.6 months). Patients initiating BEL before versus after immunosuppressant use had lower SLE flare rates per person-year at all time points (especially severe flare rates in patients with severe baseline SLE, 0.70 vs 1.48 through 24 months post-index). Median time to new organ damage occurrence was longer in patients initiating BEL before versus after immunosuppressant use (moderate baseline SLE, 32.1 vs 26.7 months; severe baseline SLE, 22.7 vs 21.6 months). All-cause HCRU was similar between cohorts. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that patients initiating BEL before versus after immunosuppressant use had more favorable outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Rubin
- GSK, Medical Affairs and Immuno-Inflammation, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Karen Worley
- GSK, US Value Evidence and Outcomes, 1250 S. Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA, 19426, USA.
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Cruciani C, Gatto M, Iaccarino L, Doria A, Zen M. Monoclonal antibodies targeting interleukins for systemic lupus erythematosus: updates in early clinical drug development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024; 33:801-814. [PMID: 38958085 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2376566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The advent of biological therapies has already revolutionized treatment strategies and disease course of several rheumatologic conditions, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting cytokines and interleukins represent a considerable portion of this family of drugs. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) dysregulation of different cytokine and interleukin-related pathways have been linked to disease development and perpetration, offering palatable therapeutic targets addressable via such mAbs. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an overview of the different biological therapies under development targeting cytokines and interleukins, with a focus on mAbs, while providing the rationale behind their choice as therapeutic targets and analyzing the scientific evidence linking them to SLE pathogenesis. EXPERT OPINION An unprecedented number of clinical trials on biological drugs targeting different immunological pathways are ongoing in SLE. Their success might allow us to tackle present challenges of SLE management, including the overuse of glucocorticoids in daily clinical practice, as well as SLE heterogenicity in treatment response among different individuals, hopefully paving the way toward precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cruciani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin and Turin Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
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Lu C, He N, Dou L, Yu H, Li M, Leng X, Zeng X. Belimumab in early systemic lupus erythematosus: A propensity score matching analysis. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1362. [PMID: 39172013 PMCID: PMC11340010 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1362] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of belimumab in patients with early systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), defined as having a disease duration of less than 6 months. METHODS We retrospectively identified patients with SLE in the early stage who received belimumab and standard of care (belimumab group) or standard of care alone (control group) since September 2020. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce potential bias. The primary endpoint was lupus low disease activity status (LLDAS) at weeks 12 and 24. The secondary endpoints were remission and the proportion of glucocorticoid dose tapering to 7.5 mg/day. The efficacy of belimumab in patients with lupus nephritis was also assessed. RESULTS Out of 111 eligible patients, 16 patients in the belimumab group and 31 patients in the control group were identified by 1:2 PSM. At week 24, a significantly higher proportion of individuals achieved low disease activity state (LLDAS) in the belimumab group compared to the control group (56.3% vs. 19.4%, OR = 5.357, 95% CI = 1.417 to 20.260, p = 0.013). Furthermore, more patients in the belimumab group were reduced to low-dose glucocorticoid ( ≤ 7.5 mg/day) at week 24 (75.0% vs. 35.5%, OR = 5.182, 95%CI = 1.339 to 20.058, p = 0.017). Significant improvements in Patient Global Assessment scores were observed at Week 12 and 24 for those treated with belimumab compared to controls. In a subgroup analysis evaluating the efficacy of belimumab in patients with lupus nephritis, 42.9% of the seven individuals treated with belimumab achieved a complete renal response (CRR) by Week 24, and no instances of disease relapse were observed. CONCLUSIONS In SLE patients with a disease duration of less than 6 months, belimumab treatment can promote LLDAS achievement and reduce glucocorticoid dose, leading to a better prognosis. Introducing belimumab in the early stage of SLE may be a beneficial decision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaofan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC‐DID), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeMinistry of EducationBeijingChina
| | - Nan He
- Department of Rheumatology, Sir Run Run Shaw HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouChina
| | - Lei Dou
- Department of Rheumatology and immunologyThe Second People's Hospital of WuhuWuhuChina
| | - Hongxia Yu
- Department of rheumatologyGuizhou Xingyi people's HospitalXingyiChina
| | - Mengtao Li
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC‐DID), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeMinistry of EducationBeijingChina
| | - Xiaomei Leng
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC‐DID), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeMinistry of EducationBeijingChina
| | - Xiaofeng Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, National Clinical Research Center for Dermatologic and Immunologic Diseases (NCRC‐DID), Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeMinistry of EducationBeijingChina
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Schett G, Mackensen A, Mougiakakos D. CAR T-cell perspectives in lupus - Authors' reply. Lancet 2024; 404:336-337. [PMID: 39067897 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(24)01266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3-Rheumatology and Immunology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Mackensen
- Department of Internal Medicine 5-Hematology and Clinical Oncology, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen 91054, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie, Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany; Health Campus Immunology, Infectiology and Inflammation (GCI3), Medical Center, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
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Fan L, Tang Z, He X, He X, Zhang Z, Juliao P. Real-world effectiveness of belimumab in patients with lupus in China: RELIABLE observational cohort study protocol. Lupus Sci Med 2024; 11:e001144. [PMID: 38991834 PMCID: PMC11243130 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2024-001144] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The efficacy of belimumab in SLE has been demonstrated in randomised clinical trials, and its real-world effectiveness has been shown in studies in several countries. While belimumab was approved for treating SLE in China in 2019, data on its benefit in clinical practice are limited. This study will evaluate belimumab's effectiveness in China, using practical clinical measures, such as Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS), to add to the body of real-world evidence. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The Real-world Effectiveness of beLImumAB in patients with systemic Lupus Erythematosus in China (RELIABLE) is an ambidirectional, observational descriptive cohort study across approximately 15 centres in China. Adults with SLE newly initiating belimumab with ≥1 measure of all five LLDAS components (SLE Disease Activity Index-2000; no new lupus disease activity; Physician Global Assessment; prednisolone-equivalent dose; immunosuppressants/biologics use) in the 3 months preceding belimumab initiation (index date) will be eligible and retrospectively and/or prospectively enrolled, depending on data availability. The retrospective follow-up will be ≤6 months, and retrospective and prospective patients will have a maximum 24-month follow-up. The primary objectives will be to describe the proportion of patients achieving LLDAS at 12 and 24 months post-index. The key secondary objective will be to describe the proportion of patients achieving LLDAS and each component at 3, 6, 9 and 18 months post-index. All data will be analysed descriptively; a statistical estimand will be applied to account for intercurrent events expected in a real-world setting. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study will comply with all applicable laws regarding patient privacy; institutional review board approval will be obtained before the study commencement. CONCLUSIONS This study will evaluate belimumab's effectiveness in patients with SLE initiating belimumab in clinical practice in China. Using LLDAS will provide clinicians with valuable insights into the impact of belimumab on the treat-to-target strategy with a relevant measure that can be repeated across the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zhuoli Zhang
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
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11
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Fan C, Yang T, Zheng S, Liao X, Xie R, Chen S, Li J. Frequency and predictors for early-achieved lupus low disease activity state in systemic lupus erythematosus patients treated with telitacicept or belimumab: A real-life, single-center observational study. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1423035. [PMID: 38947321 PMCID: PMC11211586 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1423035] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To collect real-world data regarding the attainment of the early-achieved lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients receiving telitacicept or belimumab treatment, and identify factors predictive of target achievement. Methods Eighty-seven SLE patients who received telitacicept (N=42) or belimumab (N=45) were retrospectively reviewed in this observational study. Clinical and laboratory data, disease activity assessment, and glucocorticoid dosage were collected for analysis. Achieving LLDAS at least once within 24 weeks post-treatment was considered as early-achieved LLDAS. Multivariate regression was used to assess baseline predictive variables for early-achieved LLDAS. Subgroup analysis and interaction tests were also performed to examine the robustness of the results across different sets of baseline characteristics. Prognostic stratification for early-achieved LLDAS was established based on the identified risk factors. Results During the 24-week follow-up period, LLDAS was achieved by at least one time in 49.43% (43/87) of the patients, with sustained achievement through week 24 observed in 36 out of these 43 patients (83.27%). Multivariate analysis revealed that early achievement of LLDAS was particularly observed in patients with higher baseline lymphocyte counts [HR=1.79, 95% CI (1.19-2.67), P=0.005]and serum albumin levels [HR=1.06, 95% CI (1.003-1.12), P=0.039]. Conversely, hematological involvement [HR=0.48, 95% CI (0.24-0.93), P=0.031] predicted lower attainment of early-achieved LLDAS. The use of telitacicept was associated with a reduced risk of failing to attain early achievement of LLDAS [HR=2.55, 95% CI (1.36-4.79), P=0.004]. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests showed a stable relationship between the telitacicept use and LLDAS achievement. The results remained consistent across all subgroup analyses. Significant differences (P<0.001) were observed in the Kaplan-Meier estimates for LLDAS among risk groups based on the number of identified risk factors. Conclusion The achievement of LLDAS is attainable in the management of SLE patients undergoing treatment with telitacicept or belimumab in real-life clinical practice. Baseline lymphocyte counts, serum albumin levels, hematological involvement and the use of telitacicept serve as robust predictors for early-achieved LLDAS, helping to identify patients who are likely to benefit on the treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiling Fan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songyuan Zheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhong Liao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruixia Xie
- Department of Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shixian Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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12
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Kostopoulou M, Mukhtyar CB, Bertsias G, Boumpas DT, Fanouriakis A. Management of systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic literature review informing the 2023 update of the EULAR recommendations. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2023-225319. [PMID: 38777375 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225319] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyse the new evidence (2018-2022) for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) to inform the 2023 update of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations. METHODS Systematic literature reviews were performed in the Medline and the Cochrane Library databases capturing publications from 1 January 2018 through 31 December 2022, according to the EULAR standardised operating procedures. The research questions focused on five different domains, namely the benefit/harm of SLE treatments, the benefits from the attainment of remission/low disease activity, the risk/benefit from treatment tapering/withdrawal, the management of SLE with antiphospholipid syndrome and the safety of immunisations against varicella zoster virus and SARS-CoV2 infection. A Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome framework was used to develop search strings for each research topic. RESULTS We identified 439 relevant articles, the majority being observational studies of low or moderate quality. High-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs) documented the efficacy of the type 1 interferon receptor inhibitor, anifrolumab, in non-renal SLE, and belimumab and voclosporin, a novel calcineurin inhibitor, in lupus nephritis (LN), when compared with standard of care. For the treatment of specific organ manifestations outside LN, a lack of high-quality data was documented. Multiple observational studies confirmed the beneficial effects of attaining clinical remission or low disease activity, reducing the risk for multiple adverse outcomes. Two randomised trials with some concerns regarding risk of bias found higher rates of relapse in patients who discontinued glucocorticoids (GC) or immunosuppressants in SLE and LN, respectively, yet observational cohort studies suggest that treatment withdrawal might be feasible in a subset of patients. CONCLUSION Anifrolumab and belimumab achieve better disease control than standard of care in extrarenal SLE, while combination therapies with belimumab and voclosporin attained higher response rates in high-quality RCTs in LN. Remission and low disease activity are associated with favourable long-term outcomes. In patients achieving these targets, GC and immunosuppressive therapy may gradually be tapered. Cite Now.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Kostopoulou
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
| | - Chetan B Mukhtyar
- Vasculitis Service, Rheumatology Department, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Attikon University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece
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Askanase AD, Furie RA, Dall'Era M, Bomback AS, Schwarting A, Zhao MH, Bruce IN, Khamashta M, Rubin B, Carroll A, Daniels M, Levy RA, van Vollenhoven R, Urowitz MB. Disease-modifying therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus for extrarenal manifestations. Lupus Sci Med 2024; 11:e001124. [PMID: 38777595 PMCID: PMC11116871 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001124] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Our 2022 published working definition of disease modification in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was 'minimising disease activity with the fewest treatment-associated toxicities and slowing or preventing organ damage progression'. The objective of this review was to classify current SLE treatments according to the proposed non-renal disease modification criteria excluding toxicities. Based on a review of select clinical trial (n=32) and observational study (n=54) publications for 14 SLE medications across different therapeutic classes, and the authors' clinical experience, we evaluated disease modification potential as per the proposed framework at three time points. Specific criteria used to determine disease modification potential included a drug's capacity to reduce: (1) non-renal disease activity, (2) severe flares, (3) use of steroids/immunosuppressants and (4) organ damage accrual. Criteria 1-3 were assessed at 1 year and 2-5 years and, when positive, were considered evidence for disease modification potential; criterion 4 was used to confirm disease modification at >5 years. Each treatment received one of four mutually exclusive designations at each time point: (a) criterion met, (b) indications of criterion met despite insufficient evidence in the literature, (c) inconclusive and (d) no available supportive data. This review excludes an assessment of potential toxicities. Eight of the 14 SLE treatments met ≥1 disease modification criteria up to year 5. Hydroxychloroquine improved overall survival at >5 years, suggesting long-term disease modification, but no data on specific organ systems were reported. Belimumab was the only treatment to meet all criteria. Belimumab and hydroxychloroquine met disease modification definitions across three time points. Evidence for other SLE therapies was incomplete, particularly at >5 years. Future studies are warranted for other treatments to meet the disease modification criteria. We discuss challenges to classification and possible updates to our published criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca D Askanase
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Richard A Furie
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York, USA
| | - Maria Dall'Era
- Division of Rheumatology, University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrew S Bomback
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andreas Schwarting
- Rheumatology Center Rhineland Palatinate, Bad Kreuznach, Germany
- University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ming-Hui Zhao
- Renal Division, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ian N Bruce
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Bernie Rubin
- US Medical Affairs, GSK, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Angela Carroll
- US Medical Affairs, GSK, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Roger Abramino Levy
- Specialty Care, Global Medical Affairs, GlaxoSmithKline, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ronald van Vollenhoven
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center and Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Murray B Urowitz
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Parodis I, Girard-Guyonvarc'h C, Arnaud L, Distler O, Domján A, Van den Ende CHM, Fligelstone K, Kocher A, Larosa M, Lau M, Mitropoulos A, Ndosi M, Poole JL, Redmond A, Ritschl V, Alexanderson H, Sjöberg Y, von Perner G, Uhlig T, Varju C, Vriezekolk JE, Welin E, Westhovens R, Stamm TA, Boström C. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological management of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:720-729. [PMID: 37433575 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop evidence-based recommendations for the non-pharmacological management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS A task force comprising 7 rheumatologists, 15 other healthcare professionals and 3 patients was established. Following a systematic literature review performed to inform the recommendations, statements were formulated, discussed during online meetings and graded based on risk of bias assessment, level of evidence (LoE) and strength of recommendation (SoR; scale A-D, A comprising consistent LoE 1 studies, D comprising LoE 4 or inconsistent studies), following the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology standard operating procedure. Level of agreement (LoA; scale 0-10, 0 denoting complete disagreement, 10 denoting complete agreement) was determined for each statement through online voting. RESULTS Four overarching principles and 12 recommendations were developed. These concerned common and disease-specific aspects of non-pharmacological management. SoR ranged from A to D. The mean LoA with the overarching principles and recommendations ranged from 8.4 to 9.7. Briefly, non-pharmacological management of SLE and SSc should be tailored, person-centred and participatory. It is not intended to preclude but rather complement pharmacotherapy. Patients should be offered education and support for physical exercise, smoking cessation and avoidance of cold exposure. Photoprotection and psychosocial interventions are important for SLE patients, while mouth and hand exercises are important in SSc. CONCLUSIONS The recommendations will guide healthcare professionals and patients towards a holistic and personalised management of SLE and SSc. Research and educational agendas were developed to address needs towards a higher evidence level, enhancement of clinician-patient communication and improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Girard-Guyonvarc'h
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneve, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Arnaud
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Centre National de Référence (RESO), INSERM UMR-S 1109, Strasbourg, France
| | - Oliver Distler
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Domján
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Cornelia H M Van den Ende
- Department of Research, Sint Maartenskliniek, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Rheumatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kim Fligelstone
- Federation of European Scleroderma Associations (FESCA), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Agnes Kocher
- Institute of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maddalena Larosa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medical Specialties, ASL3, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Alexandros Mitropoulos
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health Wellbeing and Life Science, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Mwidimi Ndosi
- School of Health and Social Wellbeing, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Janet L Poole
- Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, School of Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
| | - Anthony Redmond
- Leeds Institute for Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Valentin Ritschl
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Helene Alexanderson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Till Uhlig
- Center for Treatment of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Diseases, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cecilia Varju
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical School of University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | | | - Elisabet Welin
- School of Health Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - René Westhovens
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tanja A Stamm
- Section for Outcomes Research, Center for Medical Statistics, Informatics and Intelligent Systems, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Arthritis and Rehabilitation, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carina Boström
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Wang L, Liang X, Cao Z, Wang D, Luo Y, Feng Y, Luo C, Zhi S, Huang Y, Fan Z, Wang C, Liu H, Liu J, Zhang T, Cheng Q, Xie X, Shuai L, Rong Z, Zeng P, Yu H, Lu M, Sun L, Yang S, Zhao D, Zhang W, Wu X, Li Q, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Yang J, Li X, Song H, Tang X. Evaluation of belimumab in treatment of Chinese childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: a prospective analysis from a multicentre study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:1437-1446. [PMID: 37606970 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to identify whether low lupus disease activity status (LLDAS) and clinical remission (CR) of belimumab plus standard of care (SoC) therapy are achievable goals in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE). METHODS This multicentre, one arm pre-post intervention study was conducted at 15 centres in China. The primary end point was to describe the proportion of patients who achieved LLDAS and CR after 3, 6 and 12 months after treatment with belimumab plus SoC therapy. A multiple regression model was used to impute missing data. A Poisson regression model was used to calculate the effect of belimumab treatment on the reduced risk of serious diseases and the incidence of new damage. RESULT A total of 193 (92.2% female) with active cSLE from 15 centres were included. At 3, 6 and 12 months, the proportion of LLDAS (CR) was 12.4% (1.0%), 25.6% (4.5%) and 70.3% (29.7%), respectively. The mean SELENA-SLEDAI score decreased from 11.0 at baseline to 3.7, 2.9 and 1.7 at 3, 6 and 12 months. At baseline, all patients received steroids at a mean (s.d.) prednisone equivalent dose of 31.0 (18.2) mg/day, which decreased to 19.4 (10.8) mg/day at month 3, 12.6 (7.2) mg/day at month 6 and 6.7 (5.3) mg/day at month 12. The symptoms and immunological indicators were also significantly improved. CONCLUSION This is the first and largest sample size prospective clinical intervention study of cSLE patients treated with belimumab in China. LLDAS and CR were attainable treat-to-target of belimumab plus SoC therapy in cSLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohua Liang
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhilang Cao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Dahai Wang
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Rheumatology and Immunology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Ying Luo
- Rheumatology and Immunology Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuan Feng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China
| | - Chong Luo
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shufeng Zhi
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yiling Huang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhidan Fan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chaoying Wang
- Department of Rheumatology Immunology and Allergy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haimei Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinxiang Liu
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuting Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Urnmqi, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Automenous Region, China
| | - Xue Xie
- Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Lanjun Shuai
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changhai, China
| | - Zanhua Rong
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ping Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiguo Yu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meiping Lu
- Department of Rheumatology Immunology and Allergy, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Sirui Yang
- Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Immunology, and Allergy, the First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin province, China
| | - Dongmei Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Urnmqi, Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uyghur Automenous Region, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology Department, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Xiaochuan Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changhai, China
| | - Qiu Li
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Qiuye Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Rheumatology and Immunology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Rheumatology and Immunology Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shanxi, China
| | - Hongmei Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemei Tang
- Department of Pediatric Research Institute; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Infection and Immunity; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders (Chongqing), China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Gomez A, Parodis I, Sjöwall C. Obesity and tobacco smoking are independently associated with poor patient-reported outcomes in SLE: a cross-sectional study. Rheumatol Int 2024; 44:851-861. [PMID: 38451301 PMCID: PMC10980611 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-024-05546-z] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
We investigated associations of obesity and tobacco smoking with health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pain, fatigue, and functional impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Furthermore, we explored whether there was an effect modification between these two factors. We included adult SLE patients from the Linköping University Hospital (n = 325) in the present cross-sectional analysis. We further included population-based controls and performed cardinality matching to balance age and sex distributions with cases (n = 224). HRQoL was assessed with the EQ-5D index score; pain, fatigue, and overall SLE-related health state with visual analogue scales (VAS; 0 [best] to 100 [worst]); and functional impairment with the HAQ-DI. Unacceptable outcomes were defined as VAS scores corresponding to the 90th percentile derived from the matched controls. SLE patients reported worse scores than controls in all measures, and approximately 30% experienced unacceptable outcomes. When compared with normal-weight, obese SLE patients reported lower HRQoL, and greater functional impairment and risk of unacceptable pain (OR: 3.2; 95% CI 1.6-6.7) and fatigue (OR: 2.1; 95% CI 1.0-4.3). Similarly, the current smokers reported higher levels of functional impairment and a greater risk of unacceptable pain (OR: 3.8; 95% CI 1.8-8.2) and fatigue (OR: 2.8; 95% CI 1.3-5.9) than never smokers. The associations were independent of age, sex, disease duration, disease activity, and organ damage. There was no evidence of a synergistic effect between increased BMI and smoking on any outcome. In summary, obesity and smoking are risk factors for unacceptable patient-reported outcomes in SLE, regardless of clinical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Gomez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology, and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology, and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Christopher Sjöwall
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection/Rheumatology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Tani C, Zucchi D, Cardelli C, Elefante E, Signorini V, Schilirò D, Cascarano G, Gualtieri L, Valevich A, Puccetti G, Carli L, Stagnaro C, Mosca M. Analysis of belimumab prescription and outcomes in a 10-year monocentric cohort: is there an advantage with early use? RMD Open 2024; 10:e003981. [PMID: 38609320 PMCID: PMC11029263 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003981] [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: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective is to evaluate perscriptions of belimumab (BEL), how these have changed over the years and their impact on clinical outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. We retrieved demographic and clinical data and concomitant therapies at BEL starting (baseline). Disease activity was assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 months and organ damage at baseline and at the last visit. RESULTS From 422 patients followed in the Pisa SLE cohort, 102 patients received BEL and were included and 22 (21.6%) were immunosuppressant (IS)-naïve. Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) with a glucocorticoid (GC) dosage ≤5 mg/day (LLDAS5) and remission were achieved by 47% and 38% of patients at 6 months, and by 75% and 66% at 12 months. Comparing IS-naïve patients with those who received BEL after at least one conventional IS, we did not find significant differences in baseline characteristics and in the achievement of LLDAS5 and remission. Despite at baseline we did not observe significant differences in mean GC daily dosage, IS-naïve patients were taking a significantly lower GC daily dose at 6 and 12 months. Interestingly, IS-naïve patients were more common in the most recent years. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirm that BEL is effective in controlling disease activity, and in recent years BEL has been considered as an earlier treatment option before other IS. Early introduction of BEL can be at least as effective as a step-up approach and can help to reduce the GC dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Tani
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Dina Zucchi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Chiara Cardelli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Elefante
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Viola Signorini
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Davide Schilirò
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Cascarano
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Gualtieri
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Anastasiya Valevich
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulia Puccetti
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Linda Carli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Stagnaro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Germain G, Worley K, MacKnight SD, Rubin B, Bell CF, Laliberté F, Urosevic A, Sheng Duh M, Concoff A. Evaluating the real-world effectiveness of belimumab in patients with SLE using SLE-related laboratory values and rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures: RAPID3, swollen joint count and tender joint count. Lupus Sci Med 2024; 11:e001111. [PMID: 38575172 PMCID: PMC11002435 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2023-001111] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the real-world impact of intravenous belimumab treatment among patients with SLE using rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures and SLE-related laboratory values. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used US electronic medical record data from the United Rheumatology Normalised Integrated Community Evidence (UR-NICE) database. Adult patients with SLE who initiated intravenous belimumab between 1 January 2012 and 3 December 2019 (index), had 12 months of pre-index and 24 months of post-index clinical activity, and had ≥6 infusions of belimumab during the 24 months post-index were included. The primary outcome measure was time to first improvement of minimally important difference (MID) for Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3 (RAPID3), Patient Pain Index (PPI), swollen joint count, tender joint count (TJC), complement C3 and C4 and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies during the on-treatment follow-up period of up to 24 months. The secondary outcome measure evaluated the trajectories of these outcome measures for up to 24 months of belimumab treatment. RESULTS Of 495 patients included, between 21.0% and 52.1% had ≥1 record for each of the disease activity measures or laboratory values in the pre-index and post-index periods and were included in analyses for that measure. The proportion of patients achieving MID for each measure increased rapidly within 3 months, with continued gradual improvement throughout the remaining on-treatment period, up to 24 months. After 6 months, 52.3% and 55.3% of patients had achieved MID in RAPID3 and PPI, respectively. Outcome measure trajectories indicated improved disease activity with belimumab treatment, particularly in RAPID3, TJC and laboratory values. CONCLUSIONS In this real-world effectiveness study, belimumab therapy for SLE resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in rheumatoid arthritis-derived disease activity measures within 3 months of treatment, with patients who remained on belimumab therapy experiencing improvement even up to 24 months of observation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Worley
- Value, Evidence & Outcomes, GSK Collegeville, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Bernard Rubin
- US Medical Affairs and Immuno-inflammation, GSK, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Ana Urosevic
- Groupe d'analyse, Ltée, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Andrew Concoff
- Hauppauge, NY and Exagen, United Rheumatology, Vista, California, USA
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Palazzo L, Lindblom J, Cetrez N, Ala H, Parodis I. Determinants of neuropsychiatric flares in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: results from five phase III trials of belimumab. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2024; 63:798-808. [PMID: 37228034 PMCID: PMC10907808 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kead249] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify determinants of neuropsychiatric (NP) flares in patients with SLE treated for active SLE yet no ongoing severe NPSLE with non-biologic standard therapy plus belimumab or placebo. METHODS We analysed data from five phase III trials (BLISS-52, BLISS-76, BLISS-NEA, BLISS-SC, EMBRACE; n = 3638) after exclusion of patients with baseline NP BILAG A. Factors associated with NPSLE flare, defined as a new NP BILAG A or B, were investigated using Cox regression. In a subgroup analysis, we studied patients with baseline NP BILAG E for determinants of de novo NPSLE flare. Organ damage was assessed using the SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI). RESULTS We documented 105 (2.9%) NPSLE flares. In multivariable analysis, male sex (HR = 2.37; 95% CI: 1.31, 4.28; P = 0.004), baseline NP BILAG B-D (HR = 5.91; 95% CI: 3.86, 9.06; P < 0.001), and increasing SDI scores (HR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.50; P < 0.001) were strongly associated with NPSLE flare. Belimumab use yielded no association at any dose or administration form. In analysis of SDI domains, NP damage was the strongest determinant of NPSLE flare (HR = 3.25; 95% CI: 2.72, 3.88; P < 0.001), holding true for cognitive impairment (HR = 14.29; 95% CI: 9.22, 22.14; P < 0.001), transverse myelitis (HR = 21.89; 95% CI: 5.40, 88.72; P < 0.001), and neuropathy (HR = 8.87; 95% CI: 5.59, 14.09; P < 0.001). Male sex was the strongest determinant of de novo NPSLE flare (HR = 3.26; 95% CI: 1.51, 7.04; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION Male sex, NPSLE history, and NP damage were strong determinants of impending NPSLE flare. No clear protection or predisposition was conferred from add-on belimumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Palazzo
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Lindblom
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nursen Cetrez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henri Ala
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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20
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Fanouriakis A, Kostopoulou M, Andersen J, Aringer M, Arnaud L, Bae SC, Boletis J, Bruce IN, Cervera R, Doria A, Dörner T, Furie RA, Gladman DD, Houssiau FA, Inês LS, Jayne D, Kouloumas M, Kovács L, Mok CC, Morand EF, Moroni G, Mosca M, Mucke J, Mukhtyar CB, Nagy G, Navarra S, Parodis I, Pego-Reigosa JM, Petri M, Pons-Estel BA, Schneider M, Smolen JS, Svenungsson E, Tanaka Y, Tektonidou MG, Teng YO, Tincani A, Vital EM, van Vollenhoven RF, Wincup C, Bertsias G, Boumpas DT. EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus: 2023 update. Ann Rheum Dis 2024; 83:15-29. [PMID: 37827694 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-224762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To update the EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on emerging new evidence. METHODS An international Task Force formed the questions for the systematic literature reviews (January 2018-December 2022), followed by formulation and finalisation of the statements after a series of meetings. A predefined voting process was applied to each overarching principle and recommendation. Levels of evidence and strengths of recommendation were assigned, and participants finally provided their level of agreement with each item. RESULTS The Task Force agreed on 5 overarching principles and 13 recommendations, concerning the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), glucocorticoids (GC), immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs) (including methotrexate, mycophenolate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide (CYC)), calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, voclosporin) and biologics (belimumab, anifrolumab, rituximab). Advice is also provided on treatment strategies and targets of therapy, assessment of response, combination and sequential therapies, and tapering of therapy. HCQ is recommended for all patients with lupus at a target dose 5 mg/kg real body weight/day, considering the individual's risk for flares and retinal toxicity. GC are used as 'bridging therapy' during periods of disease activity; for maintenance treatment, they should be minimised to equal or less than 5 mg/day (prednisone equivalent) and, when possible, withdrawn. Prompt initiation of ISDs (methotrexate, azathioprine, mycophenolate) and/or biological agents (anifrolumab, belimumab) should be considered to control the disease and facilitate GC tapering/discontinuation. CYC and rituximab should be considered in organ-threatening and refractory disease, respectively. For active lupus nephritis, GC, mycophenolate or low-dose intravenous CYC are recommended as anchor drugs, and add-on therapy with belimumab or CNIs (voclosporin or tacrolimus) should be considered. Updated specific recommendations are also provided for cutaneous, neuropsychiatric and haematological disease, SLE-associated antiphospholipid syndrome, kidney protection, as well as preventative measures for infections, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION The updated recommendations provide consensus guidance on the management of SLE, combining evidence and expert opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, "Attikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Myrto Kostopoulou
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, "Attikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Martin Aringer
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine III, University Medical Center & Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus at the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Laurent Arnaud
- Department of Rheumatology, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, INSERM UMR-S 1109, Centre National de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares (RESO), Strasbourg, France
| | - Sang-Cheol Bae
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Hanyang University Institute for Rheumatology Research and Hanyang Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Seoul, South Korea
| | - John Boletis
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Unit, "Laiko" General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ian N Bruce
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; National Institute for Health Research Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Ricard Cervera
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Thomas Dörner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charite Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard A Furie
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York City, New York, USA
| | - Dafna D Gladman
- Lupus Program, Centre for Prognosis Studies in the Rheumatic Disease, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, Krembil Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Frederic A Houssiau
- Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc and Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luís Sousa Inês
- Department of Rheumatology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitario de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; School of Health Sciences, Universidade da Beira Interior, Covilha, Portugal
| | - David Jayne
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - László Kovács
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary
| | - Chi Chiu Mok
- Department of Medicine, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eric F Morand
- Centre for Inflammatory Diseases, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gabriella Moroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Humanitas University, Nephrology and Dialysis Division, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Johanna Mucke
- Department of Rheumatology & Hiller Research Unit Rheumatology, UKD, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Chetan B Mukhtyar
- Vasculitis Service, Rheumatology Department, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Norwich, UK
| | - György Nagy
- Hospital of the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of God, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Heart and Vascular Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sandra Navarra
- Section of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - José M Pego-Reigosa
- Rheumatology Department, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, IRIDIS (Investigation in Rheumatology and Immune-Mediated Diseases) - VIGO Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute, Vigo, Spain
| | - Michelle Petri
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernardo A Pons-Estel
- Grupo Oroño, Centro Regional de Enfermedades Autoinmunes y Reumáticas (GO-CREAR), Rosario, Argentina
| | - Matthias Schneider
- Department of Rheumatology & Hiller Research Unit Rheumatology, UKD, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Josef S Smolen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Elisabet Svenungsson
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- Rheumatology Unit, First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, "Laiko" General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Athens, Greece
| | - Yk Onno Teng
- Centre of Expertise for Lupus-, Vasculitis- and Complement-mediated Systemic autoimmune diseases, Department of Internal Medicine - section Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Angela Tincani
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Edward M Vital
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ronald F van Vollenhoven
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Wincup
- Department of Rheumatology, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital of Heraklion, Greece, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, "Attikon" University Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Zhang S, Qiu Q, Zeng S, Li H, Xu L, Jie L, Hu X, Xiao Y, Chen D, Zhan Z, Liang L, Yu Q, Xu H. Response to belimumab among patients with refractory lupus nephritis: a real-world observational retrospective multicenter study. Clin Rheumatol 2024; 43:199-208. [PMID: 37982925 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06817-z] [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: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Belimumab is a biological agent approved for the treatment of active lupus nephritis (LN), but its efficacy on refractory lupus nephritis (LN) is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab in Chinese patients with refractory LN. METHODS This multicenter, observational, and retrospective study enrolled patients with refractory LN who failed induction therapy with steroids, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate, and calcineurin inhibitors and received 24-week belimumab treatment before data analysis. Treatment outcomes include the overall clinical response (physician judgment, disease activity, organ damage) and renal response (complete renal response, partial renal response, no renal response). Laboratory indices and adverse events were recorded as well. RESULTS Of the 45 patients enrolled in the study, 6 (13.3%) achieved complete renal response, 19 (42.2%) achieved partial renal response, and the overall renal response rate was 55.6%. Median rSLEDAI decreased from 12 (IQR 8-12) at baseline to 8 (IQR 4-8) (p < 0.0001), 4 (IQR 4-8) (p < 0.0001) at 12 and 24 weeks. Mean urinary protein decreased more than 50% from 3.2 g/24 h at baseline to 1.0 g/24 h at 24 weeks (p < 0.0001). The conditions of hypoalbuminemia and hypocomplementemia had also gradually improved. The levels of autoantibodies showed a significant downward trend. Additionally, 9 (20.0%) patients successfully reduced the dosage of prednisone to a safe range, and 3 of them achieved their treatment goal of prednisone cessation. The mean prednisone dosage decreased from 32.7 mg/day at baseline to 18.6 mg/day (p < 0.0001), 13.3 mg/day (p < 0.0001) at 12 and 24 weeks. There were 3 adverse events reported, including 2 cases of infection, and 1 case of allergy. No serious events occurred during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Belimumab is effective and safe when used in clinical practice, which can be considered as an add-on therapy for refractory LN. Key Points • A multicenter observational study in the real clinical settings of China. • First revealed the efficacy and safety of belimumab in Chinese patients with refractory LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuoyang Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qian Qiu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shan Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liujing Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ligang Jie
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuejun Hu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Peoples' Hospital of Zhaoqing, Zhaoqing, Guangdong, China
| | - Youjun Xiao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongying Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhongping Zhan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liuqin Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Qinghong Yu
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Hanshi Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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22
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Sumichika Y, Yoshida S, Suzuki E, Saito K, Matsumoto H, Temmoku J, Fujita Y, Matsuoka N, Asano T, Sato S, Migita K. Real-World Effectiveness of Belimumab in Patients with Active Lupus. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7627. [PMID: 38137696 PMCID: PMC10743796 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247627] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This study evaluated the real-world effectiveness of belimumab (BLM) in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with moderate to high disease activity. This retrospective cohort study enrolled 129 Japanese patients with moderate to high SLE disease activity who received BLM between January 2013 and March 2023. The clinical outcomes, including the flare-free survival, SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score, and prednisone-equivalent dose, in the BLM and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) treatment groups were compared before and after treatment. Safety data for BLM were collected. Additionally, we compared the effectiveness of BLM and intravenous cyclophosphamide (IV-CY) treatment using the stabilized inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) method based on the propensity scores. This observational study enrolled 129 patients with moderate/severe SLE: 48 patients received belimumab, 45 received IV-CY, and 36 received MMF and prednisolone for remission induction therapy. The median follow-up for the BLM group was 17.0 months. Among them, 19 received BLM plus MMF. BLM significantly reduced the mean SLEDAI-2K (from mean baseline to 52 weeks: 49.2% reduction from 12.8 to 6.5) and prednisone daily dose (from mean baseline to 52 weeks: 21.9% reduction from 12.8 to 10.0 mg/day). The flare-free survival at 52 weeks was not significantly different between the BLM and MMF groups. There was no significant difference in the flare-free survival rates or reduction rates of the SLEDAI-2K between the patients treated with BLM and those treated with BLM plus MMF. In the propensity score-matched comparative analyses, there was no significant difference in the flare-free survival rates or an estimated decline in the SLEDAI-2K scores between the patients with lupus treated with BLM and IV-CY. BLM may be a promising alternative treatment option for lupus patients with moderate or high disease activity who do not respond to conventional treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuya Sumichika
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Shuhei Yoshida
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Eiji Suzuki
- Department of Rheumatology, Ohta Nishinouchi General Hospital Foundation, 2-5-20 Nishinouchi, Koriyama 963-8558, Fukushima, Japan;
| | - Kenji Saito
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Haruki Matsumoto
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Jumpei Temmoku
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Yuya Fujita
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Naoki Matsuoka
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Tomoyuki Asano
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Shuzo Sato
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.); (K.M.)
| | - Kiyoshi Migita
- Department of Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Fukushima, Japan; (Y.S.); (K.S.); (H.M.); (J.T.); (Y.F.); (N.M.); (T.A.); (S.S.); (K.M.)
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González-García A, Cusácovich I, Ruiz-Irastorza G. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: new therapeutic options. Rev Clin Esp 2023; 223:629-639. [PMID: 38000622 DOI: 10.1016/j.rceng.2023.11.001] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown cause, with heterogeneity in its clinical presentation, as well as variability in its clinical course and prognosis. The current goal of treatment is to achieve disease remission or a state of low activity, and thereby improve the patient's quality of life. Biological therapy in lupus, unlike other entities, although it has not been fully established, in recent years it has burst onto the scene with important therapeutic novelties. This review aims to update the therapeutic tools for the treatment of SLE focusing on the new molecules that have achieved the objectives of their clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- A González-García
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes Sistémicas, Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain.
| | - I Cusácovich
- Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Valladolid, Spain
| | - G Ruiz-Irastorza
- Unidad de Enfermedades Autoinmunes, Servicio de Medicina Interna, BioCruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, UPV/EHU, Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
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24
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Prete M, Susca N, Leone P, De Giacomo A, Bray A, Brunori G, Favoino E, Perosa F, Racanelli V. Impact of belimumab therapy on the quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A cohort study. Lupus 2023; 32:1528-1535. [PMID: 37903488 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231210607] [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] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic and extremely disabling connective-tissue autoimmune disease with a tremendous impact on the quality of life (QoL). Belimumab, a B-lymphocyte-stimulator-specific inhibitor, is the first biologic drug approved as add-on therapy in patients with active, refractory auto-antibody-positive SLE.The impact of belimumab on the QoL of SLE patients was evaluated using a generic questionnaire short-form health survey 36 (SF-36) and the disease-specific questionnaire SLE-specific quality of life (SLEQoL).The Italian version of the SLEQoL and the SF-36 were administered to 46 SLE patients before and after 6 months of belimumab therapy. The control population consisted of 40 age-matched healthy individuals. The questionnaires were completed before and after belimumab treatment and the results were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In addition, data from healthy controls and SLE patients were compared using the Mann-Whitney test. Dichotomous variables were compared using Fisher's exact test.For SLE patients, the addition of belimumab to their therapeutic regimen significantly improved their health-related QoL (HRQoL), according to the results of the SF-36 and SLEQoL. The comparison of the data obtained before and after belimumab treatment showed a decrease in all six SLEQoL domains and an increase in all eight SF-36 domains. Moreover, treatment led to a reduction in the median prednisone dose, to 0 mg/day (IQR 0-4.5 mg/day). Before belimumab therapy, SLE patients had a worse HRQoL than the control group, based on both questionnaires, but after belimumab treatment the outcome scores between SLE patients and controls were similar, suggesting that belimumab therapy resulted in a strong improvement in HRQoL. These findings were supported by a decrease in the SELENA-SLEDAI score, a measure of disease activity.In addition to clinical remission and low disease activity, the goals of an innovative therapeutic strategy for SLE should include the attainment of a good HRQoL. Our study demonstrates that the combined use of the SF-36 and SLEQoL questionnaires can provide clinicians with a better understanding of the HRQoL of SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Prete
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Internal Medicine Unit, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Susca
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Internal Medicine Unit, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Leone
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Internal Medicine Unit, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea De Giacomo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Neuroscience, and Sense Organs, Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella Bray
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Internal Medicine Unit, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Elvira Favoino
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Rheumatological and Autoimmune Systemic Diseases Unit, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Federico Perosa
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Rheumatological and Autoimmune Systemic Diseases Unit, "Aldo Moro" University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Centre for Medical Sciences, CISMed, Department of Internal Medicine, Santa Chiara Hospital, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
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25
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Tanaka Y. Viewpoint on anifrolumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and a high unmet need in clinical practice. RMD Open 2023; 9:e003270. [PMID: 37597847 PMCID: PMC10441065 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003270] [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: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease characterised by unpredictable flares. Many patients with SLE are unable to achieve the recommended treatment goal of remission or the intermediate, yet still clinically beneficial, goal of Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) with standard of care (SoC) treatments. LLDAS is an emerging treat-to-target goal in SLE with the aim of reducing organ damage and mortality. A high unmet need remains in SLE and mainstay glucocorticoid treatment is associated with unacceptable toxicity. The recently approved type I interferon receptor antagonist anifrolumab is a new treatment option for this historically underserved patient population. In phase 3 trials, a higher percentage of patients on anifrolumab achieved remission, as defined by the Definition Of Remission In SLE (DORIS), and LLDAS compared with placebo. Real-world clinical experience with anifrolumab use is still limited. Until real-world study results and updated treatment guidelines are available, personal expert clinical experience supported by data may inform clinical decision-making. This viewpoint article discusses four example patient types that could be considered for anifrolumab treatment based on (1) high-risk features early in the disease course, (2) inability to achieve and (3) maintain at least LLDAS, or (4) a desire to reduce or stop SoC. These patients with high unmet need may benefit from the addition of anifrolumab to SoC to achieve or maintain the therapeutic goals of LLDAS or DORIS remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
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26
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Zen M, Salmaso L, Barbiellini Amidei C, Fedeli U, Bellio S, Iaccarino L, Giollo A, Doria A, Saia M. Systemic lupus erythematosus incidence and prevalence in a large population-based study in northeastern Italy. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:2773-2779. [PMID: 36495204 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed at estimating the incidence and prevalence of SLE in northeastern Italy over the period 2012-20. METHODS A retrospective population-based study was conducted in Veneto Region (4.9 million people) using the population registry, an administrative health database where all residents are recorded. Between 2012 and 2020, SLE prevalence was defined by a healthcare co-payment exemption for SLE (national registry code 028) or any hospital diagnosis of SLE (International Classification of Disease , Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification 710.0), whichever came first. Incident SLE was defined from 2013 to 2020 to exclude prevalent cases. Standardized incidence and prevalence rates were reported by age and sex. RESULTS During the study period, we identified 4283 SLE patients (85% female), with 1092 incident cases. Across the study period, SLE standardized point prevalence increased from 63.5 (95% CI 61.2, 65.8) to 70.6 (95% CI 68.3, 73.0) per 100 000 residents, corresponding to an annual increment of 1.14% (P < 0.0001). The highest prevalence was observed in females aged 60-69 years. SLE incidence corresponded to 2.8 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 2.6, 2.9), with an annual decline of 7.3% (P < 0.0001). Incidence was 5-fold higher in females (female-to-male incidence rate ratio: 5.00, 95% CI 4.25, 5.87; P < 0.0001), with a peak among women aged 30-39 years. At diagnosis, women were significantly younger (45 years, IQR 33-58) than men (52 years, IQR 38-64). CONCLUSIONS Over the last decade, SLE prevalence has increased, while incidence has stably declined. In view of the introduction of new high-cost drugs, a clear definition of the epidemiology of SLE is crucial for all healthcare stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Salmaso
- Clinical Governance Unit, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Fedeli
- Epidemiological Department, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Italy
| | - Stefania Bellio
- Clinical Governance Unit, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giollo
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Saia
- Clinical Governance Unit, Azienda Zero, Veneto Region, Italy
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27
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Capdevila O, Mitjavila F, Espinosa G, Caminal-Montero L, Marín-Ballvè A, González León R, Castro A, Canora J, Pinilla B, Fonseca E, Ruiz-Irastorza G. Predictive Factors of the Use of Rituximab and Belimumab in Spanish Lupus Patients. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1362. [PMID: 37629652 PMCID: PMC10456702 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Objectives: To analyze the characteristics and the predictive factors of the use of rituximab and belimumab in daily practice in patients from the inception cohort Registro Español de Lupus (RELES). Material and methods: The study included 518 patients. We considered patients treated with biologics who received at least one dose of rituximab or belimumab, and possible indications of those manifestations registered at the same time or in the previous 2 months of the start of the therapy. Results: In our cohort, 37 (7%) patients received at least one biological treatment. Rituximab was prescribed in 26 patients and belimumab in 11. Rituximab was mainly prescribed for hemolytic anemia or thrombocytopenia (11 patients, 42%), lupus nephritis and neuropsychiatric lupus (5 patients each, 19%). Belimumab was mostly used for arthritis (8 patients, 73%). In the univariate analysis, the predictive factors at diagnosis for the use of biologic therapy were younger age (p = 0.022), a higher SLEDAI (p = 0.001) and the presence of psychosis (p = 0.011), organic mental syndrome (SOCA) (p = 0.006), hemolytic anemia (p = 0.001), or thrombocytopenia (p = 0.01). In the multivariant model, only younger age, psychosis, and hemolytic anemia were independent predictors of the use of biologics. Conclusions: Rituximab is usually given to patients with hematological, neuropsychiatric and renal involvement and belimumab for arthritis. Psychosis, hemolytic anemia and age at the diagnosis of lupus were independent predictive factors of the use of biological agents. Their global effects are beneficial, with a significant reduction in SLE activity and a low rate of side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- O. Capdevila
- Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - F. Mitjavila
- Autoimmune Diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain;
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08907 Barcelona, Spain
| | - G. Espinosa
- Department of Autoimmune Diseases, Hospital Clinic, 08036 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - L. Caminal-Montero
- Group of Basic and Translational Research in Inflammatory Diseases, Departament of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - A. Marín-Ballvè
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - R. González León
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - A. Castro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, 43204 Reus, Spain
| | - J. Canora
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, 28942 Madrid, Spain
| | - B. Pinilla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, 28007 Madrid, Spain;
| | - E. Fonseca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital de Cabueñes, 33394 Gijón, Spain;
| | - G. Ruiz-Irastorza
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, BioCruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, UPV/EHU, 48903 Barakaldo, Spain
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28
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Moingeon P. Artificial intelligence-driven drug development against autoimmune diseases. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:411-424. [PMID: 37268540 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI)-based predictive models are being used to foster a precision medicine approach to treat complex chronic diseases such as autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders (AIIDs). In the past few years the first models of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been produced by molecular profiling of patients using omic technologies and integrating the data with AI. These advances have confirmed a complex pathophysiology involving multiple proinflammatory pathways and also provide evidence for shared molecular dysregulation across different AIIDs. I discuss how models are used to stratify patients, assess causality in pathophysiology, design drug candidates in silico, and predict drug efficacy in virtual patients. By relating individual patient characteristics to the predicted properties of millions of drug candidates, these models can improve the management of AIIDs through more personalized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Moingeon
- Research and Development, Servier Laboratories, 50 Rue Carnot, 92150 Suresnes, France; French Academy of Pharmacy, 4 Avenue de l'Observatoire, 75006 Paris, France.
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29
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Munhoz GA, Aikawa NE, Silva CA, Pasoto SG, Pedrosa TN, Seguro LPC, Bonfa E, Borba EF. Short-term Accrual 2019 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology Domains and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage in Lupus Patients With and Without Nephritis at Disease Onset. J Clin Rheumatol 2023; 29:190-195. [PMID: 36683233 DOI: 10.1097/rhu.0000000000001939] [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: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine in a historical inception cohort the impact of lupus nephritis at disease onset in short-term accrual 2019 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) domains. The possible association with treatment and damage was also investigated. METHODS One hundred thirty-three consecutive adult systemic lupus erythematosus patients according to the 2019 EULAR/ACR criteria were divided according to the presence (RENAL-lupus) or absence of renal involvement (NONRENAL-lupus) at disease onset. The 2019 EULAR/ACR score and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR (SDI) were longitudinally evaluated over 3 years. RESULTS RENAL-lupus (n = 49 [36.8%]) and NONRENAL-lupus (n = 84 [63.2%]) were similar regarding age ( p = 0.704), female sex ( p = 0.313), and black race ( p = 0.506). At study entry, RENAL-lupus had higher 2019 EULAR/ACR total domains (30 [12-42] vs. 22 [10-36], p < 0.001) and used more often glucocorticoid ( p < 0.001), mycophenolate mofetil ( p = 0.007), and cyclophosphamide ( p = 0.001). After 3 years, a stable number of domain scores was observed for the RENAL-lupus (30 [12-42] vs. 30 [12-42], p = 0.125), whereas an increase was observed for the NONRENAL-lupus (22 [10-36] vs. 23 [10-40], p < 0.001) compared with baseline. Accordingly, RENAL-lupus patients had a lower frequency of additional domains (3/49 [6.1%] vs. 37/84 [44.0%], p < 0.0001). New kidney involvement occurred in 15 (44.1%) of 34 patients of the NONRENAL-lupus. Both groups evolved with a comparable increase in frequency of patients with damage (SDI ≥1) at the end of the study (23/49 [46.9%] vs. 34/89 [40.54%], p = 0.585) with a similar median of SDI (1 [0-4] vs. 0 [0-2], p = 0.132). CONCLUSIONS The distinct pattern of accrual 2019 EULAR/ACR domains in patients with and without nephritis at disease onset suggests that close surveillance for additional organ involvement, including kidney, is mandatory in NONRENAL lupus in the first 3 years of disease. The unexpected comparable early damage in both groups despite milder disease and less intense immunosuppression in NONRENAL lupus reinforces the need for new and tailored therapies for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadia E Aikawa
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Children's Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clovis A Silva
- Pediatric Rheumatology Unit, Children's Institute, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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30
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Zen M, Gatto M, Depascale R, Regola F, Fredi M, Andreoli L, Franceschini F, Urban ML, Emmi G, Ceccarelli F, Conti F, Bortoluzzi A, Govoni M, Tani C, Mosca M, Ubiali T, Gerosa M, Bozzolo EP, Canti V, Cardinaletti P, Gabrielli A, Tanti G, Gremese E, De Marchi G, De Vita S, Fasano S, Ciccia F, Pazzola G, Salvarani C, Negrini S, Di Matteo A, De Angelis R, Orsolini G, Rossini M, Faggioli P, Laria A, Piga M, Cauli A, Scarpato S, Rossi FW, De Paulis A, Brunetta E, Ceribelli A, Selmi C, Prete M, Racanelli V, Vacca A, Bartoloni E, Gerli R, Zanatta E, Larosa M, Saccon F, Doria A, Iaccarino L. Early and Late Response and Glucocorticoid-Sparing Effect of Belimumab in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Joint and Skin Manifestations: Results from the Belimumab in Real Life Setting Study-Joint and Skin (BeRLiSS-JS). J Pers Med 2023; 13:691. [PMID: 37109077 PMCID: PMC10146447 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040691] [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: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the efficacy of belimumab in joint and skin manifestations in a nationwide cohort of patients with SLE. METHODS All patients with skin and joint involvement enrolled in the BeRLiSS cohort were considered. Belimumab (intravenous, 10 mg/kg) effectiveness in joint and skin manifestations was assessed by DAS28 and CLASI, respectively. Attainment and predictors of DAS28 remission (<2.6) and LDA (≥2.6, ≤3.2), CLASI = 0, 1, and improvement in DAS28 and CLASI indices ≥20%, ≥50%, and ≥70% were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS DAS28 < 2.6 was achieved by 46%, 57%, and 71% of patients at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. CLASI = 0 was achieved by 36%, 48%, and 62% of patients at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Belimumab showed a glucocorticoid-sparing effect, being glucocorticoid-free at 8.5%, 15.4%, 25.6%, and 31.6% of patients at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Patients achieving DAS-LDA and CLASI-50 at 6 months had a higher probability of remission at 12 months compared with those who did not (p = 0.034 and p = 0.028, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Belimumab led to clinical improvement in a significant proportion of patients with joint or skin involvement in a real-life setting and was associated with a glucocorticoid-sparing effect. A significant proportion of patients with a partial response at 6 months achieved remission later on during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.I.)
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.I.)
| | - Roberto Depascale
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.I.)
| | - Francesca Regola
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Micaela Fredi
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Andreoli
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Franceschini
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Urban
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Giacomo Emmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Fulvia Ceccarelli
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari (SCIAC) ‘Sapienza’ University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Conti
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari (SCIAC) ‘Sapienza’ University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna—Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna—Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Tani
- Rheumatology, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tania Ubiali
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit Milano, ASST Gaetano Pini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Lombardia, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit Milano, ASST Gaetano Pini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Lombardia, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica P. Bozzolo
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Canti
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Cardinaletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Armando Gabrielli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giacomo Tanti
- Division of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Sede di Roma, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Division of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Sede di Roma, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra De Marchi
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Udine, Medical Area, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Vita
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Udine, Medical Area, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Serena Fasano
- Deparment of Precision Medicine Napoli, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Deparment of Precision Medicine Napoli, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giulia Pazzola
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16146 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Matteo
- Deparment of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Rheumatology Clinic, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Rossella De Angelis
- Deparment of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Rheumatology Clinic, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Rossini
- Unit of Rheumatology, University of di Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Faggioli
- ASST OVEST Milanese Presidio di Legnano, 20025 Legnano, Italy
| | - Antonella Laria
- ASST OVEST Milanese Presidio di Magenta, 20013 Magenta, Italy
| | - Matteo Piga
- Rheumatology Unit, AOU University Clinic, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Rheumatology Unit, AOU University Clinic, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Wanda Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Traslazionali e Centro di Ricerca Immunologia Base e Clinica (CISI), University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Amato De Paulis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Traslazionali e Centro di Ricerca Immunologia Base e Clinica (CISI), University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Enrico Brunetta
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Ceribelli
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Selmi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marcella Prete
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Vacca
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Gerli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zanatta
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.I.)
| | - Maddalena Larosa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.I.)
| | - Francesca Saccon
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.I.)
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.I.)
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy; (M.Z.); (L.I.)
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Sun F, Wu H, Wang Z, Wu T, Wu X, Chen J, Zhang D, Bao C, Shen N, Wu L, Zhu J, Ye S. Effectiveness and Safety of Belimumab in Chinese Lupus Patients: A Multicenter, Real-World Observational Study. Biomedicines 2023; 11:962. [PMID: 36979944 PMCID: PMC10046515 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030962] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The effectiveness and safety of belimumab in Chinese lupus patients with different disease activities were investigated in a real-world setting. Method: Patients who received 10 mg/kg belimumab intravenously on weeks 0, 2, and 4, and then every 4 weeks on a background of standard-of-care (SoC) therapy and had a follow-up of more than 6 months were enrolled from four centers in China. They were stratified according to the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score at baseline as the moderate/severe (SELENA-SLEDAI > 6) or mild subgroups (SELENA-SLEDAI ≤ 6). Attainment of the Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS) or remission on treatment was analyzed in all patients. The SLE Responder Index 4 (SRI-4) and SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index (SFI) were evaluated for patients with moderate/severe disease and mild disease, respectively. Patients in the control arm with SoC alone from previous metformin lupus trials were selected by propensity score matching (PSM) as the reference group. Results: 224 SLE patients with a mean follow-up of 11.7 months receiving belimumab were enrolled in this observational study, of which 126 and 98 were in the moderate/severe and mild subgroup, respectively. At 12 months, 54.76% of the patients attained LLDAS and 28.57% attained remission. Lower daily prednisone at baseline were independently associated with 12-month LLDAS. Further, 87% of the subgroup with moderate/severe disease achieved SRI-4 at 12 months and a high SLEDAI at baseline was its predictive factor. For the mild subgroup, a reduced flare rate was observed compared with PSM reference (17.5%, vs. 38.6%, p = 0.021). Infection events, particularly viral infections and pneumonia were recorded in 7 and 6 patients, respectively. Conclusion: Our real-world data supported the effectiveness and safety of belimumab in Chinese lupus patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Sun
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 201112, China
| | - Huaxiang Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Zitao Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Xue Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830001, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 201112, China
| | - Danting Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 201112, China
| | - Chunde Bao
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 201112, China
| | - Nan Shen
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 201112, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, People’s Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Urumqi 830001, China
- Xinjiang Clinical Research Center for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Urumqi 830001, China
| | - Jing Zhu
- Department of Rheumatology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Shuang Ye
- Department of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 201112, China
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Fredi M, Vojinovic T, Regola F, Babaglioni G, Bettoni D, Andreoli L, Tincani A, Franceschini F. Tapering belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a single-centre experience. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2023; 62:e18-e20. [PMID: 35946521 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Fredi
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili and Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Tamara Vojinovic
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili and Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Francesca Regola
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili and Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | | | - Daria Bettoni
- Farmacia Aziendale, ASST Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Andreoli
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili and Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Angela Tincani
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili and Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
| | - Franco Franceschini
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Spedali Civili and Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia
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Gomez A, Enman Y, Parodis I. Impact of Belimumab on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Insights from Clinical Trials and Real-World Evidence. Patient Relat Outcome Meas 2023; 14:1-13. [PMID: 36699199 PMCID: PMC9869695 DOI: 10.2147/prom.s369584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disease, characterised by a relapsing-remitting pattern of inflammatory activity, with each relapse contributing to irreversible end-organ damage with detrimental effects on patients' course, adding up to morbidity burden and shortening life-length. Along with several other demographic, socioeconomic, and life-style factors, high inflammatory activity and accrued organ damage have been coupled with adverse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) within physical, mental, and psychosocial aspects. The management of SLE has improved substantially during the last decades, owing to a technological explosion that has advanced drug development towards more targeted options. Being the first drug to be approved for SLE in more than half a century and the first in history biological agent for SLE, the introduction in 2011 of the monoclonal antibody belimumab that specifically binds to the soluble counterpart of B cell activating factor (BAFF) was a breakthrough in SLE drug development. The efficacy and favourable safety profile of belimumab has been demonstrated across several clinical trials and observational studies. Herein, we reviewed the literature and provide a summary on the effects of belimumab on SLE patients' HRQoL based on 23 studies. Belimumab has been shown to induce clinically important improvements in physical aspects of HRQoL and in fatigue, the latter being a common and major complaint within the SLE population. People with SLE overall benefit more from belimumab within physical compared with mental aspects of HRQoL. However, despite improvements of clinical and immunological features upon therapy with belimumab, HRQoL perception remains unsatisfactory for a substantial percentage of the patients. Finally, our review made apparent an urgent need for optimisation of the use of patient-reported outcome measures, both in research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Gomez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yvonne Enman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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Nikoloudaki M, Nikolopoulos D, Koutsoviti S, Flouri I, Kapsala N, Repa A, Katsimbri P, Theotikos E, Pitsigavdaki S, Pateromichelaki K, Bertsias A, Elezoglou A, Sidiropoulos P, Fanouriakis A, Boumpas D, Bertsias G. Clinical response trajectories and drug persistence in systemic lupus erythematosus patients on belimumab treatment: A real-life, multicentre observational study. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1074044. [PMID: 36685524 PMCID: PMC9845912 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1074044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To obtain real-world data on outcomes of belimumab treatment and respective prognostic factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Observational study of 188 active SLE patients (median disease duration 6.2 years, two previous immunosuppressive/biological agents) treated with belimumab, who were monitored for SLEDAI-2K, Physician Global Assessment (PGA), LLDAS (lupus low disease activity state), remission (DORIS/Padua definitions), SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index, SLICC/ACR damage index and treatment discontinuations. Group-based disease activity trajectories were modelled followed by multinomial regression for predictive variables. Drug survival was analysed by Cox-regression. Results At 6, 12 and 24 months, LLDAS was attained by 36.2%, 36.7% and 33.5%, DORIS-remission by 12.3%, 11.6% and 17.8%, and Padua-remission by 21.3%, 17.9% and 29.0%, respectively (attrition-corrected). Trajectory analysis of activity indices classified patients into complete (25.5%), partial (42.0%) and non-responder (32.4%) groups, which were predicted by baseline PGA, inflammatory rash, leukopenia and prior use of mycophenolate. During median follow-up of 15 months, efficacy-related discontinuations occurred in 31.4% of the cohort, especially in patients with higher baseline PGA (hazard ratio [HR] 2.78 per 1-unit; 95% CI 1.32-5.85). Conversely, PGA improvement at 3 months predicted longer drug retention (HR 0.57; 95% CI 0.33-0.97). Use of hydroxychloroquine was associated with lower risk for safety-related drug discontinuation (HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.13-0.85). Although severe flares were reduced, flares were not uncommon (58.0%) and contributed to treatment stops (odds ratio [OR] 1.73 per major flare; 95% CI 1.09-2.75) and damage accrual (OR 1.83 per mild/moderate flare; 95% CI 1.15-2.93). Conclusions In a real-life setting with predominant long-standing SLE, belimumab was effective in the majority of patients, facilitating the achievement of therapeutic targets. Monitoring PGA helps to identify patients who will likely benefit and stay on the treatment. Vigilance is required for the prevention and management of flares while on belimumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Nikoloudaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dionysis Nikolopoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Sofia Koutsoviti
- Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Irini Flouri
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Noemin Kapsala
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyro Repa
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Pelagia Katsimbri
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Sofia Pitsigavdaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Katerina Pateromichelaki
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonios Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonia Elezoglou
- Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Prodromos Sidiropoulos
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece,Department of Rheumatology, ‘Asklepieion’ General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Attikon University Hospital, Joint Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece,Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Heraklion, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Internal Medicine, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Greece,Division of Immunity, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology-Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece,*Correspondence: George Bertsias,
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35
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Hirano A, Fujioka K, Kida T, Omura S, Sofue H, Sakashita A, Sagawa T, Isoda Y, Kasahara A, Sagawa R, Fujii W, Seno T, Wada M, Kohno M, Kawahito Y. Association between early immunophenotypic changes and therapeutic response of belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus 2023; 32:63-73. [PMID: 36317306 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221137249] [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: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Belimumab is a therapeutic medication that inhibits the B-cell-activating factor (BAFF) used for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); however, the response sometimes varies among individuals, even when patients are stratified based on general clinical characteristics. Therefore, we focused on immunological phenotypic changes with belimumab, investigated their association with subsequent clinical courses, and sought to identify relevant immunological indicators to stratify patients who would benefit from belimumab. We assessed changes in B and T cell phenotypes, as well as BAFF-related factors, such as levels of BAFF and a proliferation-inducing ligand, and expression of three BAFF receptors: BAFF receptor (BAFF-R), B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), transmembrane activator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), in 19 patients with SLE who were treated with belimumab before and 3 months after treatment. First, to visualize patterns in complex and diverse data, we summarized B cell changes such as subsets and BAFF receptor expressions into two axes, the first and second principal components (PC1 and PC2), and characterized broad phenotypic changes by cluster analysis. Next, we evaluated whether the B cell changes represented by PC1 and PC2 were associated with other concurrent phenotypic changes, baseline factors, and treatment response at 6 months. We found that lower PC2, indicating increased BAFF-R expression and decreased percentage of naïve B cells, was associated with a subsequent therapeutic response at 6 months (odds ratio 5.3, 95% confidence interval 1.2-24, p = .031). Furthermore, higher percentages of effector memory CD3+CD4+ T cells at baseline were associated with lower PC2 and therapeutic response. Further analysis revealed that increased PC1, as reflected by increased BCMA and TACI expression and an increase in the percentage of class-switched memory B cells, was associated with both T and B cell activation. Although belimumab is a B-cell targeted therapy, it can also influence T-cell phenotypes. Thus, early B cell changes could be used to predict treatment response, and their changes could be predicted from baseline T cell phenotypes, indicating the importance of B and T cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiko Hirano
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kazuki Fujioka
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Kida
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Omura
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideaki Sofue
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Aki Sakashita
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoya Sagawa
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yu Isoda
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akiko Kasahara
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Risa Sagawa
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Wataru Fujii
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Seno
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Makoto Wada
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masataka Kohno
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yutaka Kawahito
- Inflammation and Immunology, Graduate School of Medical Science, 12898Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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36
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Wang D, Shan C, Liu J, Zhang R, Zhu G, Gao T, Chang H, Gao S, Bai C, Nie N, Zhang Q, Lin Y. Efficacy and safety of belimumab for the treatment of refractory childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: A single-center, real-world, retrospective study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1067721. [PMID: 36591249 PMCID: PMC9794867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1067721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of belimumab for treating children with refractory childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Methods Twenty-six cSLE patients who received belimumab treatment in our hospital from January 2020 to September 2021 (23 of them for more than 52 weeks) were enrolled in this study. Their clinical and laboratory data, assessment of disease activity, glucocorticoid dosage, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were retrieved for analysis. The paired samples t-test and the nonparametric test were used to compare the baseline and post-treatment data. Results The mean age of onset was 10.3 ± 2.4 years old; the mean disease duration was 41.6 ± 37.4 months; the median Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score was 10 (P 25, P 75: 3, 17); and the mean Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score at baseline was 1.9 ± 1.0. Compared with the baseline values, there was a significant decrease in the 24-h urine protein quantifications at 24 and 52 weeks of treatment (P<0.05) as well as an elevated complement (C) 3 and C4 levels at 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks of treatment. In addition, the SLEDAI-2K and PGA scores as well as the percentage of CD19+ B cells were significantly decreased at 12, 24, and 52 weeks of treatment compared with the baseline values (P<0.05). The dosage of glucocorticoid at 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks of treatment was significantly less than that at baseline or the previous follow-up (P<0.05). At 52 weeks, 14 subjects (53.8%) achieved Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS), and 4 subjects (15.4%) reached clinical remission (CR). At the last follow-up, 16 subjects (61.5%) achieved LLDAS, and 10 subjects (38.5%) reached CR. Conclusions Belimumab treatment can significantly improve laboratory indicators, reduce disease activity, and decrease the dosage of glucocorticoid required in children with cSLE. Moreover, it has a good safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunrong Shan
- Department of Pediatrics, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ranran Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guohao Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cui Bai
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Nana Nie
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qiuye Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Qiuye Zhang, ; Yi Lin,
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Qiuye Zhang, ; Yi Lin,
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Plüß M, Piantoni S, Tampe B, Kim AHJ, Korsten P. Belimumab for systemic lupus erythematosus - Focus on lupus nephritis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2072143. [PMID: 35588699 PMCID: PMC9359396 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2072143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advances in the treatment and management of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have improved their life expectancy and quality of life. However, lupus nephritis (LN) still represents a major life-threatening complication of the disease. Belimumab (BEL), a fully human monoclonal IgG1λ antibody neutralizing soluble B cell activating factor, was approved more than ten years ago as add-on therapy in adults and pediatric patients with a highly active, autoantibody-positive disease despite standard of care (SoC). Recently, the superiority of the addition of BEL to SoC was also demonstrated in LN. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the study landscape, available therapeutic options for SLE (focusing on BEL in renal and non-renal SLE), and new perspectives in the treatment field of this disease. A personalized treatment approach will likely become available with the advent of novel therapeutic agents for SLE and LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Plüß
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silvia Piantoni
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Björn Tampe
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alfred H. J. Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
- Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center of Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Peter Korsten
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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B Cell Kinetics upon Therapy Commencement for Active Extrarenal Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Relation to Development of Renal Flares: Results from Three Phase III Clinical Trials of Belimumab. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213941. [PMID: 36430417 PMCID: PMC9698874 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal flares constitute major determinants of poor prognosis in people living with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in B cell subsets in relation to renal flares upon initiation of standard therapy (ST) plus belimumab or placebo in patients with SLE. Using data from the BLISS-76, BLISS-SC, and BLISS Northeast Asia trials, we investigated associations of relative to baseline rapid (through week 8) and early (through week 24) percentage changes in circulating CD19+ B cell subsets characterised through flow cytometry, anti-dsDNA antibodies, and complement levels with the occurrence of renal flares over one year. Patients who developed renal flares showed more prominent rapid decreases in CD19+CD20+CD138+ short-lived plasma cells (-50.4% vs. -16.7%; p = 0.019) and CD19+CD20-CD27bright plasmablasts (-50.0% vs. -29.9%; p = 0.020) compared to non-flaring patients, followed by a subsequent return. Less prominent rapid reductions in CD19+CD27-CD24brightCD38bright transitional B cells (-42.9% vs. -75.0%; p = 0.038) and CD19+CD20-CD138+ peripheral long-lived plasma cells (-11.3% vs. -29.2%; p = 0.019) were seen in belimumab-treated-but not placebo-treated-patients who developed renal flares compared to belimumab-treated patients who did not. Rapid and early changes in anti-dsDNA or complement levels showed no clear association with renal flares. In summary, a rapid drop followed by a subsequent return in circulating short-lived plasma cells and plasmablasts upon treatment for active extra-renal SLE portended renal flares, indicating a need for therapeutic adjustments in patients showing such B cell patterns. Rapid decreases in transitional B cells and peripheral long-lived plasma cells upon belimumab therapy commencement may signify a greater protection against renal flares. B cell kinetics may prove useful in early drug evaluation.
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Urowitz MB, Aranow C, Asukai Y, Bass DL, Bruce IN, Chauhan D, Dall'Era M, Furie R, Fox NL, Gilbride JA, Hammer A, Ginzler EM, Gonzalez‐Rivera T, Levy RA, Merrill JT, Quasny H, Roth DA, Stohl W, van Vollenhoven R, Wallace DJ, Petri M. Impact of Belimumab on Organ Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2022; 74:1822-1828. [PMID: 35439360 PMCID: PMC9805003 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Organ damage is a key determinant of poor long-term prognosis and early death in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Prevention of damage is a key treatment goal of the 2019 update of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) recommendations for SLE management. Belimumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and is the only therapy approved for both SLE and lupus nephritis. Here, we review the clinical trial and real-world data on the effects of belimumab on organ damage in adult patients with SLE. Across 4 phase III studies, belimumab in combination with background SLE therapy demonstrated consistent reductions in key drivers of organ damage including disease activity, risk of new severe flares, and glucocorticoid exposure compared to background therapy alone. Long-term belimumab use in SLE also reduced organ damage progression measured by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index, as reported in open-label extension studies, and propensity score-matched comparative analyses to background therapy alone. Results from a clinical trial showed that in patients with active lupus nephritis, belimumab treatment improved renal response, reduced the risk of renal-related events, and impacted features related to kidney damage progression compared to background therapy alone. The decrease of organ damage accumulation observed with belimumab treatment in SLE, including lupus nephritis, suggest a disease-modifying effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical ResearchManhassetNew York
| | | | | | - Ian N. Bruce
- The University of Manchester and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
| | | | - Maria Dall'Era
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Ellen M. Ginzler
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew York
| | | | | | | | | | | | - William Stohl
- University of Southern California Keck School of MedicineLos Angeles
| | - Ronald van Vollenhoven
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Daniel J. Wallace
- Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, and University of CaliforniaLos Angeles
| | - Michelle Petri
- Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMaryland
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Wu C, Gong B. Short-term clinical observations of belimumab in the treatment of recently diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e716. [PMID: 36301032 PMCID: PMC9601783 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of belimumab in the treatment of recently diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Between January 2019 and February 2022, a total of 30 patients who had been recently diagnosed with SLE were selected for 6 months of belimumab treatment at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tianjin First Central Hospital. Laboratory test results and related adverse reactions were recorded at baseline and after treatment. RESULTS Participants' white blood cell counts and complement 3, complement 4, and hemoglobin levels were higher after treatment than at baseline. Participants' immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M levels, SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 scores, glucocorticoid doses, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and serum albumin/globulin ratios were lower after treatment. These differences were all statistically significant (p < .05). CONCLUSION Belimumab was safe and effective in patients recently diagnosed with SLE and might help to reduce the use of glucocorticoids and to improve anemia with few adverse reactions. Belimumab might be applied in the treatment of patients recently diagnosed with SLE with high disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Wu
- Department of ImmunologyThe Tianjin First Central HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Baoqi Gong
- Department of ImmunologyThe Tianjin First Central HospitalTianjinChina
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Hunnicutt JN, Fairburn-Beech J, Georgiou ME, Richards A, Gregan YI, Quasny H, Chauhan D. Evaluating disease control following belimumab treatment in patients with SLE enrolled in the US OBSErve study. Lupus Sci Med 2022; 9:e000710. [PMID: 36450407 PMCID: PMC9716789 DOI: 10.1136/lupus-2022-000710] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterise disease control and remission in patients with SLE receiving belimumab for up to 12 months in the real world. METHODS This post hoc analysis (GSK Study 213502) used data from the US evaluation Of use of Belimumab in clinical practice SEttings (OBSErve) study (GSK Study 117295), an observational cohort study of adults with SLE initiating and continuing belimumab for ≥6 months. Data were collected every 6 months by physician chart review; details of disease activity using the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score were collected if routinely used by physicians. Disease control definitions evaluated were SELENA-SLEDAI score of ≤2 at 12 months, SELENA-SLEDAI score of ≤2 and glucocorticoid (prednisone equivalent) dose of ≤5 mg/day at 12 months, SELENA-SLEDAI score of ≤2 and glucocorticoid dose of ≤5 mg/day at both 6 and 12 months. Disease remission definition was SELENA-SLEDAI score=0 at 12 months. Glucocorticoid dose during follow-up was quantified. RESULTS US OBSErve enrolled 501 patients, 90 of whom had eligible SELENA-SLEDAI scores for inclusion in this analysis. Mean (SD) SELENA-SLEDAI scores were 13.1 (3.0) at baseline and 4.9 (3.4) at 12 months. Disease control at 12 months was achieved by 31.1% of patients when defined as a SELENA-SLEDAI score of ≤2 (95% CI 21.8 to 41.7); this decreased to 25.6% when requiring a SELENA-SLEDAI score of ≤2 and glucocorticoid dose of ≤5 mg/day (95% CI 16.9 to 35.8) and 17.8% when requiring a SELENA-SLEDAI score of ≤2 and glucocorticoid dose of ≤5 mg/day at both 6 and 12 months (95% CI 10.5 to 27.3). No patient achieved remission at 12 months. Glucocorticoids decreased from a baseline median of 20.0 mg/day (IQR 15.0-30.0) to 5.0 mg/day (IQR 0-10.0) at 12 months. CONCLUSION Improved disease control and reduced glucocorticoid use was achieved for a proportion of patients following up to 12 months of belimumab treatment in a US real-world setting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yun Irene Gregan
- Clinical Science Immunology, GSK, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Holly Quasny
- Research and Development, GSK, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Wallace DJ, Atsumi T, Daniels M, Hammer A, Meizlik P, Quasny H, Schwarting A, Zhang F, Roth DA. Safety of belimumab in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Results of a large integrated analysis of controlled clinical trial data. Lupus 2022; 31:1649-1659. [PMID: 36206400 PMCID: PMC9679798 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221131183] [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: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. Belimumab, a targeted human monoclonal antibody, binds to and inhibits soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator. The safety and efficacy of belimumab has consistently been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials for the treatment of patients with active SLE. Integration of these data provides an additional opportunity to explore the safety of belimumab in a larger and more diverse population. This post hoc pooled analysis of clinical studies evaluated the safety profile of belimumab versus placebo in adults with SLE. METHODS This was a pooled post hoc analysis of 52-week safety data from one Phase 2 and five Phase 3 belimumab trials in adult patients with SLE. Patients received ≥1 dose of placebo or belimumab (1, 4, or 10 mg/kg intravenous or 200 mg subcutaneous), plus standard therapy. Outcomes included the incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), severe AEs, AEs of special interest (AESI), and mortality. RESULTS Across 4170 patients (placebo: N = 1355; belimumab: N = 2815), baseline demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment exposure were similar for placebo and belimumab. Most patients (placebo: 76.6%; belimumab: 81.0%) completed the protocol Week 52 visit. Overall, incidence of AEs, SAEs, severe AEs, AESI, and mortality were similar between groups. In both groups, the most commonly reported SAEs by system organ class were infections and infestations (placebo: 5.9%; belimumab: 5.4%) and renal and urinary disorders (placebo: 2.2%; belimumab: 1.7%). Additionally, a greater proportion of patients experienced AESI with belimumab versus placebo for post-infusion/injection systemic reactions (placebo: 8.1%; belimumab: 10.2%). Mortality rates were similar between groups (placebo: 0.4%; belimumab: 0.6%). CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with those of the individual studies, BASE, BLISS-LN, and long-term extension studies, making belimumab one of the most studied SLE treatments for safety. Collectively, this evidence continues to support a positive benefit-risk profile of belimumab in the treatment of adult patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatsuya Atsumi
- Department of Rheumatology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mark Daniels
- Global Medical Affairs, GSK, Brentford, Middlesex, UK
| | | | - Paige Meizlik
- Global Safety, GSK, Collegeville, PA, USA
- At the time of the study
| | | | - Andreas Schwarting
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- Internal Medicine Department, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - David A Roth
- Research and Development, GSK, Collegeville, PA, USA
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Hammam N, Evans M, Bell CF, Gairy K, Yazdany J, Schmajuk G. Evaluating the Use of Glucocorticoids Among Belimumab-Treated Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Real-World Settings Using the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness Registry. ACR Open Rheumatol 2022; 4:883-889. [PMID: 35872599 PMCID: PMC9555183 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glucocorticoids are part of standard therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), despite adverse effects associated with long-term treatment. Belimumab improved clinical manifestations of SLE and reduced glucocorticoid doses in clinical trials and clinical practice; however, associations have not been examined using multi-institutional electronic health record (EHR) data. Using the Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness registry, we examined glucocorticoid use patterns among belimumab-treated adults with SLE. METHODS This retrospective analysis (GSK Study 209267) used EHR prescription records of patients with SLE managed by rheumatologists. Eligible patients had an index date (first belimumab prescription) between January 2014 and June 2018. The primary analysis compared patients' mean daily oral glucocorticoid (prednisone equivalent) dose over the 6 months preindex versus 6 months post index. An exploratory analysis assessed glucocorticoid doses at 12 and 24 months post index for patients with extended follow-up. RESULTS Of the 1987 patients receiving their first belimumab prescription, 767 had available glucocorticoid prescribing data, whereas 204 (primary analysis population) had glucocorticoids prescribed in the 6 months preindex and received belimumab according to the prescribing information for the first 8 weeks post index. The mean (SD) glucocorticoid dose was 12.5 (13.5) mg/day 3 months preindex, reducing to 10.3 (10.6) mg/day over the 6 months post index, and 8.7 (9.4) and 9.0 (9.3) mg/day at 12 and 24 months post index. CONCLUSION This study showed reductions in mean daily glucocorticoid dose after belimumab initiation. Several limitations of EHRs for real-world effectiveness research were identified, which limited interpretation of results and may inform future study designs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Gabriela Schmajuk
- San Francisco and San Francisco Veteran Affairs Medical CenterUniversity of California
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Gomez A, Parodis I. Do biological agents improve health-related quality of life in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus? Results from a systematic search of the literature. Autoimmun Rev 2022; 21:103188. [PMID: 36089249 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2022.103188] [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: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite an unprecedented rise in the number of biological therapies developed for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) during the last decades, most randomised clinical trials (RCTs) have failed to reach their primary efficacy endpoint. These endpoints mainly constitute composite outcomes that encompass disease activity indices derived from clinician-reported and laboratory data and do not necessarily reflect the patient perspective, as symptoms that represent major concerns to patients, such as fatigue, are seldom part of the evaluation. To overcome this limitation, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) constitute useful tools for evaluating the effect of an intervention on facets that are particularly relevant for the patients. In the present review, we performed a systematic literature search aiming to examine the effect of biological therapies on SLE patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and fatigue in RCT and real-life settings. We summarised results concerning 14 different biological agents, the majority of which targeting B cells or type I interferons, and discuss strategies that have been used to analyse HRQoL data, putting emphasis on minimal clinically important differences and the potential use of PROs as distinct targets in treat-to-target approaches. Lastly, we discuss differences between generic and disease-specific PRO measures and highlight the need of using a combination thereof aiming to capture the patient perspective in a comprehensive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Gomez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
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45
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Parodis I, Gatto M, Sjöwall C. B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: Targets of new therapies and surveillance tools. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:952304. [PMID: 36111105 PMCID: PMC9468481 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.952304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell hyperactivity is a hallmark of the complex autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which has justified drug development focusing on B cell altering agents during the last decades, as well as the off-label use of B cell targeting biologics. About a decade ago, the anti-B cell activating factor (BAFF) belimumab was the first biological agent to be licensed for the treatment of adult patients with active yet non-renal and non-neuropsychiatric SLE, to later be expanded to include treatment of pediatric SLE and, recently, lupus nephritis. B cell depletion is recommended as an off-label option in refractory cases, with the anti-CD20 rituximab having been the most used B cell depleting agent to date while agents with a slightly different binding specificity to CD20 such as obinutuzumab have also shown promise, forming a part of the current pipeline. In addition, terminally differentiated B cells have also been the targets of experimental therapies, with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib being one example. Apart from being promising drug targets, B and plasma cells have also shown promise in the surveillance of patients with SLE, especially for monitoring B cell depleting or B cell altering therapies. Inadequate B cell depletion may signify poor expected clinical response to rituximab, for example, while prominent reductions in certain B cell subsets may signify a protection against flare development in patients treated with belimumab. Toward an era with a richer therapeutic armamentarium in SLE, including to a large extent B cell altering treatments, the challenge that emerges is to determine diagnostic means for evidence-based therapeutic decision-making, that uses clinical information, serological markers, and gene expression patterns to guide individualized precision strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Christopher Sjöwall
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Li M, Liang J, Pan W, Liu L, Wu M, Ding F, Hu H, Ding X, Wei H, Zou Y, Qian X, Wang M, Wu J, Tao J, Tan J, Da Z, Zhang M, Li J, Feng X, Wen L, Zhang H, Sun L. Predictors of improvement in disease activity in first hospitalized patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter retrospective study of a Chinese cohort. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:3355-3362. [PMID: 35849245 PMCID: PMC9568488 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06289-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To analyze the relative factors of improvement in disease activity (IDA) after first hospitalized treatment based on the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI). Methods A total of 1069 adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who were hospitalized for the first time in 26 hospitals in Jiangsu Province from 1999 to 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. SLEDAI decrease ≥ 4 during hospitalization was identified as IDA. Relative factors of IDA were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results A total of 783 (73.2%) adult SLE patients showed IDA after the first hospitalization, while the remaining patients (n = 286) were in the non-IDA group. The IDA group had higher SLEDAI at admission; fewer patients had SLICC/ACR damage index (SDI) ≥ 1, comorbidities at admission, especially Sjögren’s syndrome, abnormal serum creatinine, and glomerular filtration rate. More patients had mucocutaneous and musculoskeletal involvements, leukopenia, increased C-reactive protein, anti-dsDNA antibody positive, and hypocomplementemia at admission and were treated with methotrexate and leflunomide during hospitalization. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, SDI ≥ 1 (P = 0.005) and combined with Sjögren’s syndrome (P < 0.001) at admission had negative association with IDA. Musculoskeletal involvement (P < 0.001), anti-dsDNA antibody positive (P = 0.012), hypocomplementemia (P = 0.001), and use of leflunomide (P = 0.030) were significantly related with IDA. Conclusion Organ damage or comorbidities at admission were adverse to SLE improvement. Anti-dsDNA antibody positive, hypocomplementemia, musculoskeletal involvements, and leflunomide treatment had positive association with IDA of SLE.
Key Points • Organ damage or comorbidities at admission were negatively correlated with SLE improvement. • Anti-dsDNA antibody positivity, hypocomplementemia, musculoskeletal involvements, and leflunomide treatment were positively associated with SLE improvement. |
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Wenyou Pan
- Department of Rheumatology, Huai'an First People's Hospital, Huai'an, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Rheumatology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Fuwan Ding
- Department of Endocrinology, Yancheng Third People's Hospital, Yancheng, China
| | - Huaixia Hu
- Department of Rheumatology, Lianyungang Second People's Hospital, Lianyungang, China
| | - Xiang Ding
- Department of Rheumatology, Lianyungang First People's Hospital, Lianyungang, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Department of Rheumatology, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yaohong Zou
- Department of Rheumatology, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi, China
| | - Xian Qian
- Department of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Meimei Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, Southeast University Zhongda Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Juan Tao
- Department of Rheumatology, Wuxi Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Jun Tan
- Department of Rheumatology, Zhenjiang First People's Hospital, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Zhanyun Da
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Miaojia Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and Nanjing Medical University First Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xuebing Feng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Lihui Wen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Huayong Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Lingyun Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, 321 Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
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Rua-Figueroa Fernández de Larrinoa Í, Lozano MJC, Fernández-Cid CM, Cobo T, Salman Monte TC, Freire González M, Hidalgo Bermejo FJ, Román Gutiérrez CS, Cortés-Hernández J. Preventing organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus: the impact of early biological treatment. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:821-829. [PMID: 35815355 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2096406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One of the most important aims in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is to avoid or delay the accumulation of organ damage. The first five years after diagnosis are crucial for prognosis. AREAS COVERED This manuscript reviews available data on organ damage accrual in SLE and early therapeutic intervention as a possible strategy to prevent its long-term accrual. EXPERT OPINION Organ damage can be minimized by controlling disease activity and risk of flares, reducing the dose of glucocorticoids, and ensuring a proper therapeutic intervention with an early introduction of the right therapies. The current standard treatment cannot provide clinical remission in all patients with SLE. Therefore, there is a clinical need for introducing new therapeutic strategies able to achieve the main therapeutic objectives. The addition of biologic and other therapeutic agents to the standard of care is effective for controlling disease activity and for preventing severe flares, enabling a reduced use of glucocorticoids, and presumably reducing organ damage progression. Considering its efficacy and safety, early inclusion of biologic agents in the first lines of the treatment algorithm, at least in certain patients, could be considered as an innovative treatment approach to decrease disease burden in SLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Tatiana Cobo
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Tarek C Salman Monte
- Rheumatology Department, Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Spain
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Real-World Effectiveness of Belimumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Literature Review. Rheumatol Ther 2022; 9:975-991. [PMID: 35596922 PMCID: PMC9314515 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-022-00454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Belimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that binds to soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator and inhibits its biological activity. Since receiving approvals for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), several observational studies have investigated the effectiveness of belimumab in the real-world setting. This study reports a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of belimumab for the treatment of SLE. Methods A literature search following PRISMA Guidelines and limited to studies in English was performed (2014−2020) to identify relevant studies reporting effectiveness outcomes of belimumab in patients with SLE. A modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. Outcomes, including SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, prednisone-equivalent use, and SLE flare were pooled and analyzed using statistical aggregation methods. Results The literature search identified 514 articles for initial review. Of these, 17 articles were suitable for data extraction and summary. Baseline characteristics of patients in real-world studies were generally similar to those of relevant clinical trials, including age, sex, disease duration, SLEDAI score, and prednisone-equivalent use. Real-world use of belimumab was associated with reductions in SLEDAI score (mean baseline score to month 6: 10.1–4.4; 57% reduction), prednisone-equivalent dosing (mean baseline dose to month 6: 12.1 mg/day to 6.9 mg/day; 43% reduction), and flare frequency (12 months prior to belimumab to 12 months after belimumab: 1.15–0.39 mean flares per patient per year; 66% reduction). Long-term data (up to 2 years post-treatment initiation) for SLEDAI score and prednisone-equivalent dose indicated that improvements in both outcomes continue over time among patients remaining on therapy. Conclusions In the real-world setting, observed outcomes with belimumab for the treatment of SLE are consistent with those reported from randomized clinical trials. Improvements persist long-term for SLEDAI activity and prednisone-equivalent use with belimumab. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40744-022-00454-9.
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Parodis I, Gomez A, Lindblom J, Chow JW, Doria A, Gatto M. Early Changes in B and Plasma Cell Subsets and Traditional Serological Markers as Predictors of SRI-4 Response to Therapy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:852162. [PMID: 35572992 PMCID: PMC9096349 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.852162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective With the premise of the hypothesis that early biological responses to therapy for active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) portend later clinical improvements, we studied changes in B cell subsets and traditional serological markers in relation to clinical response to standard therapy (ST) with or without the addition of belimumab. Patients and Methods We analyzed data from the BLISS-76, BLISS-SC, and BLISS Northeast Asia trials (N = 1712). Circulating CD19+ B cell subsets were determined by flow-cytometry. We studied associations of relative to baseline percentage changes in circulating B and plasma cell subsets, anti-dsDNA antibody levels and complement levels with SLE Responder Index (SRI)-4 response after 52 weeks of treatment. Changes occurring through week 8 were deemed "rapid," through week 24 "early," and thereafter "delayed". Results In the analysis of the entire cohort, SRI-4 responders showed more prominent decreases from baseline through week 52 in CD19+CD20+CD27- naïve B cells (median change: -61.2% versus -50.0%; P = 0.004), CD19+CD20-CD27 bright plasmablasts (-44.9% versus -33.3%; P = 0.011), and CD19+CD20-CD138+ long-lived plasma cells (-48.2% versus -37.1%; P = 0.024), and a more prominent rapid (+92.0% versus +66.7%; P = 0.002) and early (+60.0% versus +49.5%; P = 0.033) expansion of CD19+CD20+CD27+ memory B cells than non-responders. More prominent rapid reductions in anti-dsDNA (-14.8% versus -8.7%; P = 0.043) and increases in C3 (+4.9% versus +2.1%; P = 0.014) and C4 levels (+11.5% versus +8.3%; P = 0.017) were documented in SRI-4 responders compared with non-responders among patients who received add-on belimumab, but not among patients who received non-biological ST alone. Conclusion SRI-4 responders showed a more prominent rapid expansion of memory B cells and more prominent delayed reductions in naïve B cells, plasmablasts and long-lived plasma cells. Moreover, clinical response to belimumab was associated with preceding more prominent reductions of anti-dsDNA and increases in C3 and C4 levels. Monitoring biological changes may prove useful in SLE patient surveillance and early treatment evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Alvaro Gomez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Lindblom
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jun Weng Chow
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrea Doria
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Parodis I, Gomez A, Chow JW, Borg A, Lindblom J, Gatto M. Early B Cell and Plasma Cell Kinetics Upon Treatment Initiation Portend Flares in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Post-Hoc Analysis of Three Phase III Clinical Trials of Belimumab. Front Immunol 2022; 13:796508. [PMID: 35444642 PMCID: PMC9015703 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.796508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate changes in B cell subsets in relation to disease flares upon initiation of standard therapy (ST) plus belimumab or placebo in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and Methods Using data from the BLISS-76, BLISS-SC and BLISS Northeast Asia trials, we investigated associations of relative to baseline rapid (through week 8) and early (through week 24) changes in peripheral B cell subsets, anti-dsDNA and complement levels with the occurrence of disease flares from week 24 through week 52 (Mann-Whitney U tests) or the entire study follow-up (Cox regression analysis), assessed using the SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index. Results Patients on ST alone who flared displayed less prominent early decreases in CD19+CD20-CD138+ long-lived plasma cells (-16.1% versus -35.1%; P=0.012). In all arms combined, patients who developed severe flares showed less prominent early decreases in CD19+CD20-CD138+ long-lived plasma cells (-23.5% versus -39.4%; P=0.028) and CD19+CD27brightCD38bright SLE-associated plasma cells (-19.0% versus -27.8%; P=0.045). After adjustment for rapid changes, early increases in overall CD19+CD20+ B cells (HR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.08-3.05; P=0.024) and early increases or no return after a rapid expansion in CD19+CD20+CD27+ memory B cells (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.18-2.11; P=0.002) portended subsequent severe flares. Patients who developed flares of any severity showed no or less prominent rapid (0.0% versus -12.5%; P<0.001) or early (-1.9% versus -21.7%; P<0.001) decreases in anti-dsDNA levels, and patients who developed severe flares showed no or less prominent early decreases in anti-dsDNA levels (0.0% versus -13.3%; P=0.020). Changes in complement levels exhibited no ability to distinguish flaring from non-flaring patients. Conclusions Increase or lack of decrease in certain circulating B cell subsets or anti-dsDNA levels upon treatment initiation for active SLE heralded subsequent severe disease flares. A rapid expansion of memory B cells may signify sustained response to therapy when followed by a subsequent drop, while no return or delayed increases in memory B cells may portend flaring. Peripheral B cell and serological marker kinetics may help identify patients in whom therapeutic modifications could protect against flare development, and may hence prove a useful complement to traditional surveillance and early treatment evaluation in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Alvaro Gomez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jun Weng Chow
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Borg
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Lindblom
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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