Inflammatory Markers are Quickly Improved by Tocilizumab in Early Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Might Predict Early Response to Interleukin-6 Blockade

Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors: A systematic literature review highlighting differences from the idiopathic forms

INTRODUCTION

An altered immune tolerance disturbed by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) may contribute to new-onset polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA). This systematic literature review (SLR) examines the characteristics of PMR and GCA-like syndromes following anticancer treatment with ICIs, summarizing their demographic, clinical and treatment-related features to provide insights whether they differ from the idiopathic forms.

METHODS

The SLR was conducted in Medline and EMBASE databases from inception to July 2024, and in the EULAR/ACR abstract database (2021-2023). ICI-induced PMR and GCA syndromes were compared to the primary forms of the diseases using data from studies that included both groups as comparators. For manuscripts lacking direct comparisons, we summarized the main findings and discussed the differences using systematic reviews or large observational studies on the primary forms.

RESULTS

From 1237 screened abstracts, 46 met the inclusion criteria, involving 358 patients (314 with ICI-PMR and 44 with ICI-GCA). ICI-PMR had an estimated pooled prevalence of 0.1% [95% CI: 0.07%, 0.14%] among ICI recipients and 15.9% [95% CI: 12.6%, 19.9%] among patients experiencing rheumatic immune-related adverse events. Patients with ICI-PMR had a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1 and a mean age of 71 ± 4 years. Most cases were associated with PD1/PDL1 blockers (87%). Clinical features included inflammatory pain in the girdles (100%), though pelvic girdle involvement was under-reported in some cases (3/28 studies). Peripheral arthritis was present in 35% of patients. Laboratory tests showed normal or slightly elevated inflammatory markers in 26% of cases. Glucocorticoids (GCs) led to symptom improvement in 84% of cases although 20% required immunosuppressive treatment and 14% experienced relapses. ICI-GCA had a prevalence of 0.06% among ICI recipients, with equal gender distribution and a mean age of 71 ± 5 years. Most patients received anti-PD1/PDL1 blockers (57%). Clinical manifestations included cephalic symptoms (75%), permanent visual loss (23%) and symptoms related to large-vessel involvement (54%). High-dose GCs were effective, with 96% achieving remission, though 17% experienced relapses.

CONCLUSIONS

ICI-induced PMR and GCA may have distinct clinical profiles compared to idiopathic forms, with potentially milder symptoms and better treatment responses. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and better understand the long-term outcomes and pathophysiology of these conditions.

Steroid-sparing agents in polymyalgia rheumatica: how will they fit into the treatment paradigm?

INTRODUCTION

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease in subjects aged 50 years or older and classically presents with shoulder and/or pelvic girdle pain and prolonged morning stiffness. Glucocorticoids represent the standard of treatment; glucocorticoid therapy is usually required for 1-2 years and often results in significant glucocorticoid-related side effects, especially in the elderly.

AREAS COVERED

In this review, we aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the management of polymyalgia rheumatica, with a particular focus on adjunctive therapies to the standard glucocorticoid treatment.

EXPERT OPINION

Given the high frequency of disease relapses (one-third of patients) and the adverse events related to prolonged glucocorticoid use, the need for glucocorticoid-sparing agents remains an important issue in the management of polymyalgia rheumatica. In selected patients, who are at risk for glucocorticoid-related side effects or in those with glucocorticoid-refractory disease, the addition of a glucocorticoid-sparing agent, either a synthetic or biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug, may represent a reasonable and effective therapeutic approach.

Biomarkers in the era of targeted therapy in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica: is it possible to replace acute-phase reactants?

Research into giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) has become more important in the last few decades. Physicians are facing several challenges in managing the diagnosis, treatment, and relapses of GCA and PMR patients. The search for biomarkers could provide elements to guide a physician's decision. In this review, we aim to summarize the scientific publications about biomarkers in GCA and PMR in the past decade. The first point raised by this review is the number of clinical situations in which biomarkers could be useful: differential diagnosis of either GCA or PMR, diagnosis of underlying vasculitis in PMR, prediction of relapse or complications, disease activity monitoring, choice, and modification of treatments. The second point raised by this review is the large number of biomarkers studied, from common markers like C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or elements of blood count to inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, or immune cell subpopulations. Finally, this review underlines the heterogeneity between the studies and proposes points to consider in studies evaluating biomarkers in general and particularly in the case of GCA and PMR.

Effect of Tocilizumab on Disease Activity in Patients With Active Polymyalgia Rheumatica Receiving Glucocorticoid Therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Few treatments are available for patients with glucocorticoid-dependent polymyalgia rheumatica. IL-6 antagonists may reduce disease activity in patients with active glucocorticoid-dependent polymyalgia rheumatica.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of tocilizumab vs placebo in patients with glucocorticoid-dependent polymyalgia rheumatica.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial enrolled 101 patients with polymyalgia rheumatica at 17 hospitals in France from February 2017 to October 2019. Final follow-up occurred in November 2020. Inclusion criteria were persistent disease activity (polymyalgia rheumatica activity score computed using the C-reactive protein level [CRP PMR-AS] >10) and prednisone dose greater than or equal to 10 mg per day.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomly assigned to receive intravenous tocilizumab (8 mg/kg; n = 51) or placebo (n = 50) every 4 weeks for 24 weeks, combined with predefined standardized tapering of oral prednisone.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary efficacy end point was CRP PMR-AS less than 10 (range, 0-100; higher values indicate greater activity; no minimal clinically important difference defined) combined with either prednisone dose less than or equal to 5 mg per day or a decrease in prednisone dose greater than or equal to 10 mg from baseline at week 24. There were 11 secondary outcomes assessed at week 24 included in this report, including disease activity (measured by CRP PMR-AS) and the proportion of patients no longer taking prednisone.

RESULTS

Of the 101 randomized patients (mean age, 67.2 years; 68 [67.3%] women), 100 (99%) received at least 1 infusion and 100 completed the trial. The primary end point was achieved in 67.3% of patients in the tocilizumab group and 31.4% of patients in the placebo group (adjusted difference, 36.0% [95% CI, 19.4%-52.6%]; adjusted relative risk, 2.3 [95% CI, 1.5-3.6]; P < .001). Of 11 reported secondary end points at 24 weeks, 7 showed significant differences favoring tocilizumab, including mean CRP PMR-AS score (7.5 [95% CI, 5.4-9.6] vs 14.9 [95% CI, 11.4-18.4]; adjusted difference, -7.5 [95% CI, -11.2 to -3.8]; P < .001) and the percentage of patients no longer receiving prednisone (49.0% vs 19.6%; adjusted difference, 29.3% [95% CI, 18.9%-39.7%]; adjusted relative risk, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.8-3.5]; P < .001). The most frequent adverse events were infections, experienced by 23 patients (46.9%) in the tocilizumab group and 20 (39.2%) in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients with active polymyalgia rheumatica despite prednisone therapy, tocilizumab, compared with placebo, resulted in a significantly greater percentage of patients with a CRP PMR-AS less than 10 with reduced prednisone requirements at week 24. Further research is needed to confirm efficacy and to determine the balance of potential benefits and harms.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02908217.

Is Tocilizumab Effective and Safe in Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant-Cell Arteritis With Polymyalgia Rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant-cell arteritis (GCA) with symptoms of PMR share some pathophysiologic features. Interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels are elevated in both groups. We investigated the effect of tocilizumab (TCZ), an IL-6 inhibitor, in both populations and whether there were any differences regarding effectiveness and safety between them.

We conducted a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines by searching the following databases: PubMed, PMC, Medline, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and ClincalTrials.gov.

We found eight articles including one systematic review, one randomized controlled trial (RCT), one posthoc analysis of an RCT, and five observational studies. A total of 668 patients were included in this study. After a comprehensive analysis, we can only infer that there is insufficient evidence to suggest TCZ as monotherapy. Nevertheless, using TCZ in combination with glucocorticoid can be an effective therapeutic option.

Measurement properties of the PolyMyalgia Rheumatica Activity Score (PMR-AS): a systematic literature review

Objective

To perform a COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) based Systematic Literature Review of measurement properties of the Polymyalgia Rheumatica Activity Score (PMR-AS).

Methods

Pubmed, EMBASE, and CINAHL were broadly searched. English full text articles, with (quantitative) data on at least 5 PMR patients using the PMR-AS were selected. Seven hypotheses for construct validity and three for responsiveness, concerning associations with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, physical function, quality of life, clinical disease states, ultrasound, and treatment response, were formulated. Articles usable to assess - COSMIN based - structural validity, internal consistency, reliability, measurement error, or hypotheses on construct validity or responsiveness were selected and assessed based on COSMIN criteria.

Results

From the 26 articles using the PMR-AS we were able to use 12 articles. Structural validity, internal consistency, construct validity, and responsiveness were assessed in one, two, eight, and three articles respectively. Insufficient evidence was found to confirm structural validity and internal consistency. No data was found on reliability or measurement error. Although 60% and 67% of hypotheses tested for construct validity and responsiveness were confirmed respectively, there was insufficient evidence to meet criteria for good measurement properties.

Conclusion

Whilst there is some promising evidence for construct validity and responsiveness of the PMR-AS, it is lacking for other properties and overall falls short of criteria for good measurement properties. Therefore, further research is needed to assess its role in clinical research and care.

Steroid-Sparing Effect of Tocilizumab and Methotrexate in Patients with Polymyalgia Rheumatica: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by pain and stiffness in the shoulders, hips, and proximal limbs; it usually affects elderly patients. The effectiveness of methotrexate and tocilizumab in PMR treatment has not been extensively studied. Thus, we aimed to assess the steroid-sparing effect of tocilizumab and methotrexate in PMR in clinical practice. Consecutive patients with PMR in our hospitals, who were included in our retrospective cohort, were reviewed between 2005 and 2015 and divided into the following groups according to their treatments: prednisolone or none (prednisolone group), methotrexate ± prednisolone (methotrexate group), or tocilizumab ± prednisolone (tocilizumab group). The prednisolone dose at the last follow-up was compared. A total of 227 patients with an average age of 74 years were enrolled. No difference in baseline characteristics was found among the three groups. The prednisolone dose at the last follow-up was lower (0 vs. 3.0 vs. 3.5 mg/day, p < 0.001) and the prednisolone discontinuation rate was higher (80.0% vs. 28.3% vs. 18.8%, p < 0.0001) in the tocilizumab group than in the prednisolone and methotrexate groups. This study suggested that tocilizumab has a steroid-sparing effect in PMR. Tocilizumab can be an option in the management of PMR. Future studies are warranted to confirm our findings.