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Colina M, Khodeir M, Rimondini R, Valentini M, Campomori F, Corvaglia S, Campana G. Forty-Eight-Month Monitoring of Disease Activity in Patients with Long-Standing Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with TNF-α Inhibitors: Time for Clinical Outcome Prediction and Biosimilar vs Biologic Originator Performance. Clin Drug Investig 2024; 44:141-148. [PMID: 38294672 PMCID: PMC10912262 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-024-01341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Long-term treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis with tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors leads to initial changes in disease activity that can predict a late treatment response. This observational and retrospective study aimed to determine when it is possible to foresee the response to therapy in the case of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis comparing also the efficacy of the original biologics with their biosimilars. METHODS A total of 1598 patients were recruited and treated with the original biologics, adalimumab and etanercept, or with biosimilars. Patients were monitored over a period of 48 months and disease activity scores (28-Joint Disease Activity Score, Simplified Disease Activity Index, and Clinical Disease Activity Index) were measured every 6 months. RESULTS No differences in disease activity levels were observed in etanercept versus biosimilars (GP2015/SB4) and adalimumab versus biosimilar (GP2017) patient groups. All scores significantly decreased in all treatments during the first 18 months of therapy, and after 24 months reached a minimum that lasted up to 48 months. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that biosimilars of adalimumab and etanercept have equivalent effectiveness over a long period of time compared to their originator drugs, and also that the levels of disease activity after 6 months of tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (originator drugs and biosimilars) might predict the response to therapy at 4 years in patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Colina
- UOC (Operative Complex Unit) of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Service, Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Oncology, "Santa Maria della Scaletta" Hospital, via Montericco 4, 40026, Imola, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Micheline Khodeir
- Hospital Pharmacy, Ospedale Santa Maria della Scaletta, Imola, Italy
| | - Roberto Rimondini
- Alma Mater Studiorum, Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Valentini
- Rheumatology Service, San Pier Damiano Hospital, Faenza, Italy
| | - Federica Campomori
- UOC (Operative Complex Unit) of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Service, Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Oncology, "Santa Maria della Scaletta" Hospital, via Montericco 4, 40026, Imola, Italy
| | - Stefania Corvaglia
- UOC (Operative Complex Unit) of Internal Medicine, Rheumatology Service, Section of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine and Oncology, "Santa Maria della Scaletta" Hospital, via Montericco 4, 40026, Imola, Italy
| | - Gabriele Campana
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Mori S, Okada A, Koga T, Ueki Y. Long-term outcomes after discontinuing biological drugs and tofacitinib in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A prospective cohort study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270391. [PMID: 35737642 PMCID: PMC9223309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study examined long-term outcomes of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) and tofacitinib discontinuation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Ninety-seven RA patients who desired drug discontinuation after sustained remission or low disease activity for at least 48 weeks due to stable treatment with biological drugs or tofacitinib were enrolled into this study. All patients were prospectively followed until disease flare or the end of the study. Discontinued drugs (previous drugs) were reintroduced to treat flares. Results Following bDMARD/tofacitinib discontinuation (mean follow-up, 2.1 years; standard deviation, 2.0), disease flare occurred at a crude incidence rate of 0.36 per person-year. The median time to flare was 1.6 years (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9–2.6), and the cumulative flare probability was estimated to be 45% at 1 year, 64% at 3 years, and 80% at 5 years. No or little radiological progression was shown in 87.1% of patients who maintained remission for 3 years. A Fine‒Gray competing risk regression analysis showed that predictive factors for a flare were longer RA duration at the start of bDMARD/tofacitinib treatment, previous failure of treatment with bDMARDs, and a shorter period of remission or low disease activity before drug discontinuation. Type of discontinued drug was not identified as a predictive factor after adjusting for other predictor variables. Restarting previous treatment regimens led to rapidly regaining disease control in 89% of flare patients within 1 month. Conclusion Discontinuation of bDMARD/tofacitinib may be a feasible strategy in RA patients, especially patients with early treated and longer-controlled RA. Flares are manageable in most RA patients and radiological progression is rare for at least 3 years in patients with sustained remission after bDMARD/tofacitinib discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunsuke Mori
- Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Research Center for Rheumatic Diseases, National Hospital Organization Kumamoto Saishun Medical Center, Kohshi, Kumamoto, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Akitomo Okada
- Department of Rheumatology, Japanese Red Cross Nagasaki Genbaku Hospital, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Koga
- Division of Advanced Preventive Medical Sciences, Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
- Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Medicine, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yukitaka Ueki
- Rheumatic and Collagen Disease Center, Sasebo Chuo Hospital, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan
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Hirose T, Kawaguchi I, Murata T, Atsumi T. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Etanercept 25 mg Maintenance Therapy After Treatment with Etanercept 50 mg for Moderate Rheumatoid Arthritis in the PRESERVE Trial in Japan. Value Health Reg Issues 2021; 28:105-111. [PMID: 34923285 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To use Markov modeling to estimate the cost-effectiveness of treatment with etanercept 25 mg once weekly plus methotrexate (MTX) in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had achieved remission or low disease activity with etanercept 50 mg once weekly plus MTX. METHODS Effectiveness data were estimated based on results from a clinical trial (PRESERVE) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had achieved remission or low disease activity and who were then randomized to receive etanercept 25 mg plus MTX or placebo plus MTX. A Markov model was established and included flare rates of 21% and 62% in the etanercept 25 mg and placebo groups, respectively. EQ-5D was calculated using an ordinary least-squares model that included the health assessment questionnaire disability index and pain visual analog scale. Worsening of the health assessment questionnaire score over 1 year was estimated to be 0.047 for patients with flare, and when associated with radiographic progression it was estimated to increase by 0.006 and 0.025 in the etanercept 25 mg and placebo groups, respectively. A cycle length of 1 year was applied to calculate the cumulative cost and effectiveness for a 10-year time span. RESULTS Compared with the placebo group, the quality-adjusted life-years for the etanercept 25 mg group was increased by 0.841. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was ¥6 173 772. CONCLUSION These results suggest that maintenance treatment with etanercept 25 mg is cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Hirose
- Immunology & Inflammation Medical Affairs, Pfizer Innovative Health, Pfizer Japan, Tokyo, Japan; Atopy (Allergy) Research Center, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Isao Kawaguchi
- Immunology & Inflammation Medical Affairs, Pfizer Innovative Health, Pfizer Japan, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Tatsuya Atsumi
- Department of Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Nephrology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
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Caffrey AR, Borrelli EP. The art and science of drug titration. Ther Adv Drug Saf 2021; 11:2042098620958910. [PMID: 33796256 PMCID: PMC7967860 DOI: 10.1177/2042098620958910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A “one-size-fits-all” approach has been the standard for drug dosing, in
particular for agents with a wide therapeutic index. The scientific
principles of drug titration, most commonly used for medications with
a narrow therapeutic index, are to give the patient adequate and
effective treatment, at the lowest dose possible, with the aim of
minimizing unnecessary medication use and side effects. The art of
drug titration involves the interplay of scientific drug titration
principles with the clinical expertise of the healthcare provider, and
an individualized, patient-centered partnership between the provider
and the patient to review the delicate balance of perceived benefits
and risks from both perspectives. Drug titration may occur as up-,
down-, or cross-titration depending on whether the goal is to reach or
maintain a therapeutic outcome, decrease the risk of adverse effects,
or prevent withdrawal/discontinuation syndromes or recurrence of
disease. Drug titration introduces additional complexities surrounding
the conduct of clinical trials and real-world studies, confounding our
understanding of the true effect of medications. In clinical practice,
wide variations in titration schedules may exist due to a lack of
evidence and consensus on titration approaches that achieve an optimal
benefit-harm profile. Further, drug titration may be challenging for
patients to follow, resulting in suboptimal adherence and may require
increased healthcare-related visits and coordination of care amongst
providers. Despite the challenges associated with drug titration, it
is a personalized approach to drug dosing that blends science with
art, and with supportive real-world outcomes-based evidence, can be
effective for optimizing pharmacotherapeutic outcomes and improving
drug safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling R Caffrey
- University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881, USA
| | - Eric P Borrelli
- University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Kingston, RI, USA
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Dose tapering of biologic agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-results from a cohort study in Germany. Clin Rheumatol 2020; 40:887-893. [PMID: 32822057 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-020-05316-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association of demographic and clinical factors with the clinical decision of tapering biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in daily practice. METHODS All RA patients receiving bDMARDs were documented by 14 rheumatologists when presenting in 9 specialized private practices. Statistical analyses employed multivariable logistic models for dose reduction with the covariates age, gender, disease duration until bDMARD start, smoking status, disease activity, comorbidity, functional capacity, radiographic damage, concomitant methotrexate (MTX) treatment, rheumatoid factor positivity, and glucocorticoid use. In the multivariable model (MVM), missing values were imputed. RESULTS Data of 586 RA patients on bDMARD treatment were available, 171 of which (29%) received a reduced dose. The highest rates of patients with dose reduction were seen for rituximab (67%) and infliximab (50%). The degree of dose reduction was most prominent for rituximab (57%). In the MVM, 6/11 covariates were significantly associated with dose reduction: age (odds ratio (OR) 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.05; P = 0.002), time between disease onset and bDMARD start (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06; P = 0.015), DAS 28 < 2.6 (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.01-2.37; P = 0.045), MTX therapy (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.03-2.25; P = 0.036), comorbidity (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.42; P = 0.036), and glucocorticoid dose (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.76-0.89; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION DAS 28 remission, concomitant MTX, and lower glucocorticoid doses were positively associated with dose tapering of bDMARDs in RA patients. While this could be expected, the reason for the association with age, comorbidity, and the time between disease onset and bDMARD start is less clear. Key points • In rheumatology practice, tapering of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs is feasible in nearly 30% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. • The degree of dose reduction may exceed 50% of the recommended dose. • In a multivariable model, concomitant methotrexate is positively associated with dose tapering of biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs.
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Evaluation of dose-tapering strategies for intravenous tocilizumab in rheumatoid arthritis patients using model-based pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic simulations. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 76:1417-1425. [PMID: 32514745 DOI: 10.1007/s00228-020-02925-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody approved for rheumatoid arthritis treatment. In clinical practice, empirical dose-tapering strategies are implemented in patients showing sustained remission or low disease activity (LDA) to avoid overtreatment and reduce costs. Since rational adaptive-dosing algorithms taking the full pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics into account are currently lacking, we aimed to develop novel tapering strategies and compare them with currently used empirical ones. METHODS Four strategies were simulated on a virtual population. In all of them, the same initial dose was administered every 28 days for six consecutive months. Then, different strategies were considered: (1) label-dosing; (2) mild empirical dose-tapering; (3) intense empirical dose-tapering; (4) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)-guided dose-tapering. The different strategies were evaluated on the proportion of patients who maintain remission/LDA 1 year after the intervention. Cost-savings of direct drug costs were also estimated as relative dose intensity. RESULTS The overall proportion of simulated patients in remission/LDA after 1 year of the intervention was comparable between the mild empirical and the TDM-guided dose-tapering strategies, and much lower for the intense empirical dose-tapering strategy (80.3%, 78.2%, and 69.0%, respectively). Likewise, 1-year flare rates were lower for the mild empirical and TDM-guided tapering strategies. The relative dose intensity was lowest for the intense empirical dose-tapering, followed by the TDM-guided and the mild empirical dose-tapering approaches (61.2%, 71.0%, and 80.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the TDM-guided strategy using model-based algorithms performed similarly to mild empirical dose-tapering strategies in overall remission/LDA rates but is superior in cost-savings.
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Dierckx S, Sokolova T, Lauwerys BR, Avramovska A, de Bellefon LM, Toukap AN, Stoenoiu M, Houssiau FA, Durez P. Tapering of biological antirheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis patients is achievable and cost-effective in daily clinical practice: data from the Brussels UCLouvain RA Cohort. Arthritis Res Ther 2020; 22:96. [PMID: 32345367 PMCID: PMC7189594 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-020-02165-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose Studies have demonstrated that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who achieve low disease activity or remission are able to taper biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs). The aim of this study was to evaluate the proportion of patients in whom bDMARDs can be tapered in daily practice and to analyse the characteristics of these patients. Other objectives were to analyse which bDMARDs are more suitable for dose reduction and the cost savings. Results Data from 332 eligible RA patients from our Brussels UCLouvain cohort were retrospectively analysed; 140 patients (42.1%) received a tapered regimen, and 192 received stable doses of bDMARDs. The age at diagnosis (43.1 vs 38.7 years, p = 0.04), health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score (1.3 vs 1.5, p = 0.048), RF positivity rate (83.3 vs 72.9%, p = 0.04) and disease duration at the time of bDMARD introduction (9.7 vs 12.1 years, p = 0.034) were significantly different between the reduced-dose and stable-dose groups. Interestingly, relatively more patients receiving a tapered dose were treated with a combination of bDMARDs and methotrexate (MTX) (86.7% vs 73.8%, p = 0.005). In our cohort, anti-TNF agents were the most commonly prescribed medications (68%). Only 15 patients experienced a flare during follow-up. Adalimumab, etanercept and rituximab were the most common bDMARDs in the reduced-dose group and were associated with the most important reductions in annual cost. Conclusion In daily practice, tapering bDMARDs in RA patients who have achieved low disease activity or remission is an achievable goal in a large proportion of patients, thereby reducing potential side effects and annual drug-associated costs. The combination of bDMARDs with MTX could improve the success of dose reduction attempts. Trial registration This retrospective non-interventional study was retrospectively registered with local ethics approval.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Dierckx
- Rheumatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc - Université catholique de Louvain - Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tatiana Sokolova
- Rheumatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc - Université catholique de Louvain - Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bernard R Lauwerys
- Rheumatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc - Université catholique de Louvain - Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aleksandra Avramovska
- Rheumatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc - Université catholique de Louvain - Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurent Meric de Bellefon
- Rheumatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc - Université catholique de Louvain - Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Adrien Nzeusseu Toukap
- Rheumatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc - Université catholique de Louvain - Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maria Stoenoiu
- Rheumatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc - Université catholique de Louvain - Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric A Houssiau
- Rheumatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc - Université catholique de Louvain - Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Durez
- Rheumatology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc - Université catholique de Louvain - Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Brussels, Belgium.
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Ladhari C, Le Blay P, Vincent T, Larbi A, Rubenstein E, Lopez RF, Jorgensen C, Pers YM. Successful long-term remission through tapering tocilizumab infusions: a single-center prospective study. BMC Rheumatol 2020; 4:5. [PMID: 32161846 PMCID: PMC7047400 DOI: 10.1186/s41927-019-0109-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Strategic drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with prolonged remission is not well defined. According to recent guidelines, tapering biological Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (bDMARDs) may be considered. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of long-term maintenance of tocilizumab (TCZ) treatment after the progressive tapering of infusions. Methods We conducted an exploratory, prospective, single-center, open-label study, on RA patients with sustained remission of at least 3 months and treated with TCZ infusions every 4 weeks. The initial re-treatment interval was extended to 6 weeks for the first 3 months. Thereafter, the spacing between infusions was determined by the clinician. Successful long-term maintenance following the tapering of TCZ infusions was defined by patients still treated after two years by TCZ with a minimum dosing interval of 5 weeks. Results Thirteen patients were enrolled in the study. Eight out of thirteen were still treated by TCZ after two years. Successful long-term maintenance was possible in six patients, with four patients maintaining a re-treatment interval of 8-weeks or more. We observed 5 patients with TCZ withdrawal: one showing adverse drug reaction (neutropenia) and four with secondary failure. Patients achieving successful long-term maintenance with TCZ were significantly younger than those with secondary failure (p < 0.05). In addition, RA patients with positive rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies, experienced a significantly greater number of flares during our 2-year follow-up (p < 0.01). Conclusions A progressive tapering of TCZ infusions may be possible for many patients. However, larger studies, including more patients, are needed to confirm this therapeutic option. Trial registration NCT02909998. Date of registration: October 2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chayma Ladhari
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Pierre Le Blay
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Vincent
- Department of Immunology, Saint Eloi University Hospital, 80 rue Augustin Fliche, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
| | - Ahmed Larbi
- 3Department of Radiology, CHU Nimes, Place du Pr R. Debré, 30029 Nîmes Cedex 9, France
| | - Emma Rubenstein
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Rosanna Ferreira Lopez
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Christian Jorgensen
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
| | - Yves-Marie Pers
- 1IRMB, University of Montpellier, Inserm U1183, CHU Montpellier, 371, avenue du doyen Gaston Giraud, 34295 Montpellier, France
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Sacristán JA, Díaz S, de la Torre I, Inciarte-Mundo J, Balsa A. Treat-To-Target and Treat-To-Budget in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Measuring the Value of Individual Therapeutic Interventions. Rheumatol Ther 2019; 6:473-477. [PMID: 31667756 PMCID: PMC6858414 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-019-00178-3] [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: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Treat-to-target (T2T) and dose tapering after obtaining the therapeutic objective (called "treat-to-budget"-T2B-in this Commentary) are the two most commonly used therapeutic strategies in rheumatoid arthritis. In theory, both strategies could add value to the healthcare system, although they are focused on different objectives: T2T strategy improves outcomes but increases short-term costs, while the cost savings obtained through T2B are associated with higher relapse rates. The systematic implementation of both strategies must be founded on solid evidence of their effectiveness and efficiency. However, the level of evidence between guidelines and individual studies is inconsistent for both strategies and the number and the quality of cost-effectiveness analyses is scarce. Raising the level of evidence requires a move from generalization to individualization by conducting randomized clinical trials that assess each of the many strategies that fall under the umbrella of the overall T2T and T2B concepts. In addition, such studies should consider the therapeutic goals and impact of the disease from the perspective of individual patients, which is only possible by promoting shared decision-making. FUNDING: Lilly Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvia Díaz
- Medical Department, Lilly Spain, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Alejandro Balsa
- Rheumatology Unit, University Hospital La Paz, Institute for Health Research, IdiPAZ, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Can we wean patients with inflammatory arthritis from biological therapies? Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102399. [PMID: 31639516 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Biological therapies have represented a cornerstone in the treatment of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Their advent combined with implementation of a treat-to-target approach has meant that remission or low disease activity are now realistic targets for treatment achieved by a significant number of patients. However, biologicals are not risk free and their elevated costs continue to present an important economic burden to national healthcare services. "Can we wean patients with inflammatory arthritis from biological therapies?" Over the last decade this question has become increasingly important as to define the best management strategies in terms of efficacy, safety and economic outcomes. Not surprisingly this has generated an interesting debate as to whether reasons to taper biologics outweigh reasons not to taper and evidence in support of either of these schools of thought is persistently growing. AIM: In this article we reviewed the contents of the relevant session from the 2019 Controversies in Rheumatology and Autoimmunity meeting in Florence.
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Tanaka Y, Smolen JS, Jones H, Szumski A, Marshall L, Emery P. The effect of deep or sustained remission on maintenance of remission after dose reduction or withdrawal of etanercept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2019; 21:164. [PMID: 31277720 PMCID: PMC6610967 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-019-1937-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) are important options for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Once patients achieve disease control, clinicians may consider dose reduction or withdrawal of the bDMARD. Results from published studies indicate that some patients will maintain remission; however, others will flare. We analyzed data from three etanercept down-titration studies in patients with RA to determine what extent of remission provides the greatest predictability of maintaining remission following dose reduction or discontinuation. Methods Patients with moderate to severe RA from the PRESERVE, PRIZE, and Treat-to-Target (T2T) randomized controlled trials were included. We determined the proportion of patients achieving remission with etanercept at the last time point in the induction period, and sustained remission (last two time points), according to the Disease Activity Score 28-joints (DAS28), the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Boolean criteria, and the clinical disease activity index (CDAI). We also calculated the proportion achieving DAS28 deep remission (DAS28 ≤ 1.98), sustained deep remission (last two time points), and low disease activity (LDA), and LDA according to the CDAI. Then, we evaluated whether they maintained remission or LDA following etanercept dose reduction or withdrawal. Results Patients achieving sustained and/or deep remission were more likely than patients achieving remission or LDA to maintain remission/LDA after etanercept dose reduction or withdrawal. In PRESERVE, the proportions of patients with DAS28 sustained deep remission, deep remission, sustained remission, remission, and LDA who maintained remission following etanercept dose reduction were 81%, 67%, 58%, 56%, and 36%, respectively, P < 0.001 for trend. In PRESERVE, this trend was significant when etanercept was discontinued and when ACR/EULAR Boolean and CDAI remission criteria were used. Although some sample sizes were small, the PRIZE and T2T studies also demonstrated response trends according to ACR/EULAR Boolean and CDAI remission criteria, and T2T demonstrated response trends according to DAS28. Conclusions These results suggest that patients achieving disease control according to a stringent definition, such as sustained ACR/EULAR Boolean or CDAI remission, or a new definition of sustained deep remission by DAS28, have a higher probability of remaining in remission or LDA following etanercept dose reduction or withdrawal. Trial registration PRESERVE: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00565409, registered 30 November 2007; PRIZE: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00913458, registered 4 June 2009; T2T: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01578850, registered 17 April 2012 Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13075-019-1937-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahata-nishi, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | | - Paul Emery
- Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Smolen JS, Pedersen R, Jones H, Mahgoub E, Marshall L. Impact of flare on radiographic progression after etanercept continuation, tapering or withdrawal in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2019; 59:153-164. [DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/kez224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
The structural consequences of flare after dose reduction/discontinuation of biologic DMARDs in patients with RA who achieve remission are unclear. We compared the incidence of radiographic progression in patients with RA who did and did not experience flare after etanercept (ETN) reduction/withdrawal.
Methods
Eligible adults with moderately active RA despite MTX received ETN 50 mg plus MTX weekly in a 36-week, open-label induction period; patients achieving sustained low disease activity by week 36 were randomized to ETN 50 mg plus MTX, ETN 25 mg plus MTX, or placebo plus MTX in a 52-week, double-blind maintenance period. In post hoc analyses, radiographic progression (Δ modified total Sharp score ⩾0.5 units/year) was compared in patients with and without flare [based on DAS28 relapse (main analysis), and clinical disease activity index and simplified disease activity index relapse (sensitivity analyses)]. Findings from patients receiving full- and reduced-dose combination therapy were pooled for comparison with those from patients receiving MTX only.
Results
Significantly more patients receiving MTX monotherapy experienced flare, defined as DAS28 relapse (62% vs 21%; P < 0.0001) and radiographic progression (17% vs 9%; P < 0.001), than patients receiving full-/reduced-dose combination therapy in the double-blind period. Patients with flare defined as clinical disease activity index and simplified disease activity index relapse had higher rates of radiographic progression than those without flare in the full-/reduced-dose combination therapy group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion
Radiographic progression may be a consequence of flare after biologic DMARD dose reduction/withdrawal in patients with RA. If these approaches are taken, careful monitoring for signs/symptoms of relapse is needed.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov, https://clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00565409.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef S Smolen
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine 3, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Heather Jones
- Global Medical Affairs, Pfizer, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Ehab Mahgoub
- Global Medical Affairs, Pfizer, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Lisa Marshall
- Global Medical Affairs, Pfizer, Collegeville, PA, USA
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Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) Recommendations for the Pharmacological Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis: 2018 Update Under Guidance of Current Recommendations. Arch Rheumatol 2019; 33:251-271. [PMID: 30632540 DOI: 10.5606/archrheumatol.2018.6911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aims to report the assessment of the Turkish League Against Rheumatism (TLAR) expert panel on the compliance and adaptation of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) 2016 recommendations for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Turkey. Patients and methods The EULAR 2016 recommendations for the treatment of RA were voted by 27 specialists experienced in this field with regard to participation rate for each recommendation and significance of items. Afterwards, each recommendation was brought forward for discussion and any alteration gaining ≥70% approval was accepted. Also, Turkish version of each item was rearranged. Last version of the recommendations was then revoted to determine the level of agreement. Levels of agreement of the two voting rounds were compared with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In case of significant difference, the item with higher level of agreement was accepted. In case of no difference, the changed item was selected. Results Four overarching principles and 12 recommendations were assessed among which three overarching principles and one recommendation were changed. The changed overarching principles emphasized the importance of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists as well as rheumatologists for the care of RA patients in Turkey. An alteration was made in the eighth recommendation on treatment of active RA patients with unfavorable prognostic indicators after failure of three conventional disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. Remaining principles were accepted as the same although some alterations were suggested but could not find adequate support to reach significance. Conclusion Expert opinion of the TLAR for the treatment of RA was composed for practices in Turkish rheumatology and/or physical medicine and rehabilitation clinics.
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Wallis D, Holmes C, Holroyd C, Sonpal K, Zarroug J, Adams J, Edwards CJ. Dose reduction of biological therapies for inflammatory rheumatic diseases: what do patients think? Scand J Rheumatol 2018; 48:251-252. [DOI: 10.1080/03009742.2018.1533034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D Wallis
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - C Holmes
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - C Holroyd
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - K Sonpal
- NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - J Zarroug
- NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - J Adams
- Centre for Innovation and Leadership in Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - CJ Edwards
- Rheumatology Department, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Southampton Clinical Research Facility, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton, UK
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15
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Singh JA. Tapering Janus kinase inhibitors in rheumatoid arthritis with low disease activity or remission: reality or dream? Ann Rheum Dis 2018; 78:153-154. [PMID: 30301716 DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2018-213694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jasvinder A Singh
- Medicine Service, Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, Alabama, USA .,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
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Tornero Molina J, Balsa Criado A, Blanco García F, Blanco Alonso R, Bustabad S, Calvo Alen J, Corominas H, Fernández Nebro A, Román Ivorra JA, Sanmartí R. Expert Recommendations on the Interleukin 6 Blockade in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 16:272-281. [PMID: 30098882 DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2018.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To draft recommendations on interleukin 6 (IL-6) blockade in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), based on best evidence and experience. METHODS A group of 10 experts on IL-6 blockade in RA was selected. The 2 coordinators formulated 23 questions about IL-6 blockade (indications, efficacy, safety, etc.). A systematic review was conducted to answer the questions. Using this information, inclusion and exclusion criteria were established, as were the search strategies (Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched). Two different reviewers selected the articles. Evidence tables were created. At the same time, European League Against Rheumatism and American College of Rheumatology abstracts were evaluated. Based on this evidence, the coordinators proposed preliminary recommendations that the experts discussed and voted on in a nominal group meeting. The level of evidence and grade of recommendation were established using the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine and the level of agreement with the Delphi technique (2 rounds). Agreement was established if at least 80% of the experts voted yes (yes/no). RESULTS The 8 preliminary recommendations were accepted after the Delphi process. They covered aspects such as the use of these therapies in monotherapy, in combination, in patients with refractory disease or intolerant patients, response evaluation, optimization and risk management. CONCLUSIONS The manuscript aims to solve frequently asked questions and aid in decision making strategies when treating RA patients with IL-6 blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Tornero Molina
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de Guadalajara; Departamento de Medicina y Especialidades Médicas, Universidad de Alcalá, España.
| | | | - Francisco Blanco García
- Servicio de Reumatología, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario A Coruña (CHUAC), La Coruña, España
| | - Ricardo Blanco Alonso
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, España
| | - Sagrario Bustabad
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario de Canarias, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, España
| | - Jaime Calvo Alen
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitario Araba, Vitoria-Gasteiz, España
| | - Héctor Corominas
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, España
| | - Antonio Fernández Nebro
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Reumatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, España
| | | | - Raimon Sanmartí
- Servicio de Reumatología, Hospital Universitari Clínic, Barcelona, España
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Chen DY, Lau CS, Elzorkany B, Hsu PN, Praprotnik S, Vasilescu R, Marshall L, Llamado L. Dosing down and then discontinuing biologic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: a review of the literature. Int J Rheum Dis 2017; 21:362-372. [PMID: 29205904 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To review the published studies that dose down and then discontinue biologic therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), particularly concerning the criteria for such dosing and the impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS Published studies conducted in patients with RA that sequentially decreased the dose and then discontinued therapy were included if one or more of the following biologic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) was evaluated: abatacept, adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab, rituximab or tocilizumab. RESULTS Five studies qualified for inclusion. The populations of patients with RA were heterogeneous among the studies; patients were required to have low disease activity (LDA) or to be in remission prior to dose titration. Approximately 25-65% of patients successfully decreased and in some cases, discontinued the bDMARD. However, the flare rate was higher than for the patients who remained on a standard dose. The only variable that predicted relapse in more than one study was down-titration of the bDMARD dose. CONCLUSION In patients who have achieved LDA or remission, down-titration and discontinuation of bDMARD therapy may be attempted, with careful monitoring. However, it is likely that some patients will flare, and it is not known how to predict these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Der-Yuan Chen
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medical Education and Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Science and Rong Hsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chak Sing Lau
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | | | - Lisa Marshall
- Global Medical Affairs, Pfizer, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lyndon Llamado
- Medical and Regulatory Affairs, Pfizer, Inc., Makati City, Philippines
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Spectrum-Effect Relationships between Fingerprints of Caulophyllum robustum Maxim and Inhabited Pro-Inflammation Cytokine Effects. Molecules 2017; 22:molecules22111826. [PMID: 29072610 PMCID: PMC6150361 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22111826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2017] [Revised: 10/21/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Caulophyllum robustum Maxim (CRM) is a Chinese folk medicine with significant effect on treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was designed to explore the spectrum-effect relationships between high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints and the anti-inflammatory effects of CRM. Seventeen common peaks were detected by fingerprint similarity evaluation software. Among them, 15 peaks were identified by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). Pharmacodynamics experiments were conducted in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice to obtain the anti-inflammatory effects of different batches of CRM with four pro-inflammation cytokines (TNF-α, IL-β, IL-6, and IL-17) as indicators. These cytokines were suppressed at different levels according to the different batches of CRM treatment. The spectrum-effect relationships between chemical fingerprints and the pro-inflammation effects of CRM were established by multiple linear regression (MLR) and gray relational analysis (GRA). The spectrum-effect relationships revealed that the alkaloids (N-methylcytisine, magnoflorine), saponins (leiyemudanoside C, leiyemudanoside D, leiyemudanoside G, leiyemudanoside B, cauloside H, leonticin D, cauloside G, cauloside D, cauloside B, cauloside C, and cauloside A), sapogenins (oleanolic acid), β-sitosterols, and unknown compounds (X3, X17) together showed anti-inflammatory efficacy. The results also showed that the correlation between saponins and inflammatory factors was significantly closer than that of alkaloids, and saponins linked with less sugar may have higher inhibition effect on pro-inflammatory cytokines in CIA mice. This work provided a general model of the combination of HPLC and anti-inflammatory effects to study the spectrum-effect relationships of CRM, which can be used to discover the active substance and to control the quality of this treatment.
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