Tumor Necrosis Factor inhibition in treating sarcoidosis: the American Experience

[Therapeutic Pathways in Sarcoidosis. A Position Paper of the German Society of Respiratory Medicine (DGP)]

The present recommendations on the therapy of sarcoidosis of the German Respiratory Society (DGP) was written in 2023 as a German-language supplement and update of the international guidelines of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) from 2021. It contains 5 PICO questions (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcomes) agreed in the consensus process, which are explained in the background text of the four articles: Confirmation of diagnosis and monitoring of the disease under therapy, general therapy recommendations, therapy of cutaneous sarcoidosis, therapy of cardiac sarcoidosis.

Anti-inflammatory Therapy for Sarcoidosis

Over 50% of patients with sarcoidosis will require anti-inflammatory therapy at some point in their disease course. Indications for therapy are to improve health-related quality of life, prevent or arrest organ dysfunction (or organ failure) or avoid death. Recently published treatment guidelines recommended a stepwise approach to therapy however there are some patients for whom up front combination or more intense therapy maybe reasonable. The last decade has seen an explosion of studies and trials evaluating novel therapeutic agents and treatment strategies. Currently available anti-inflammatory therapies and several novel therapies are discussed here.

Treatment of sarcoidosis: grading the evidence

INTRODUCTION

Treatment of sarcoidosis recommendations are often based on clinical experience and expert opinion. However, there are an increasing number of studies which are providing evidence to support decisions regarding treatment. Areas covered: Several studies have identified factors associated with increased risk for organ failure or death ('danger'). There have been several studies focused on the role of treatment to improve quality of life for the patient. Sarcoidosis treatment often follows a progression, based on response. Corticosteroids remain the initial treatment of choice for most patients. Second-line therapy includes cytotoxic agents. Immunosuppressives such as methotrexate, azathioprine, leflunomide, and mycophenolate have all been reported as effective in sarcoidosis. Biologics and other agents are third-line therapy. The monoclonal antibodies directed against tumor necrosis factor have been shown to be particularly effective for advanced disease. Infliximab has been the most studied drug in this class. Newer treatments, including repository corticotropin injection and rituximab have been reported as effective in some cases. Expert commentary: In this review, we use the GRADE system to evaluate the currently available evidence and make recommendations regarding treatment.

Efficacy of adalimumab in sarcoidosis patients who developed intolerance to infliximab

BACKGROUND

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are regarded as the third-line therapy in sarcoidosis, the first choice generally being infliximab. To date, data regarding response to adalimumab in sarcoidosis patients intolerant to infliximab are lacking. The objective of this retrospective observational study was to establish if adalimumab could achieve stabilization or improvement of the disease in refractory sarcoidosis patients who developed intolerance to infliximab.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sarcoidosis patients referred to St Antonius Interstitial Lung Diseases Center of Excellence, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands, between January 2008 and April 2015 who switched from infliximab to adalimumab were included. Changes in organ function, inflammatory biomarker levels, and adverse events were retrieved from medical records.

RESULTS

Out of 142 infliximab treated patients, 18 (13%) had to discontinue treatment due to antibody formation or severe adverse events and switched to adalimumab therapy. Organ function improved in 7 patients (39%), was stable in 6 patients (33%), and worsened in 5 patients (28%) after 12 months of treatment or after 6 months if evaluation after 12 months was not available (n = 4). In none of the patients biomarker levels of soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R) deteriorated. Median decrease in sIL-2R was 3614 pg/mL. Most reported adverse event was infection (n = 10).

CONCLUSIONS

Adalimumab is an effective alternative for patients intolerant to infliximab. The switch to adalimumab achieved clinical improvement in 39% and stabilization in 33% of patients intolerant to infliximab. Further research is needed to develop guidelines on how to use adalimumab for sarcoidosis in terms of dosing regimen.

Monitoring of nonsteroidal immunosuppressive drugs in patients with lung disease and lung transplant recipients: American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based clinical practice guidelines

OBJECTIVES

Immunosuppressive pharmacologic agents prescribed to patients with diffuse interstitial and inflammatory lung disease and lung transplant recipients are associated with potential risks for adverse reactions. Strategies for minimizing such risks include administering these drugs according to established, safe protocols; monitoring to detect manifestations of toxicity; and patient education. Hence, an evidence-based guideline for physicians can improve safety and optimize the likelihood of a successful outcome. To maximize the likelihood that these agents will be used safely, the American College of Chest Physicians established a committee to examine the clinical evidence for the administration and monitoring of immunosuppressive drugs (with the exception of corticosteroids) to identify associated toxicities associated with each drug and appropriate protocols for monitoring these agents.

METHODS

Committee members developed and refined a series of questions about toxicities of immunosuppressives and current approaches to administration and monitoring. A systematic review was carried out by the American College of Chest Physicians. Committee members were supplied with this information and created this evidence-based guideline.

CONCLUSIONS

It is hoped that these guidelines will improve patient safety when immunosuppressive drugs are given to lung transplant recipients and to patients with diffuse interstitial lung disease.

Therapy for sarcoidosis: evidence-based recommendations

The options for treatment of sarcoidosis have expanded. In this article, we outline a stepwise approach to treatment. Recommendations for treatment are based on available evidence. While corticosteroids remain the treatment of choice for initial systemic therapy, other agents have been shown to be steroid sparing, and therefore useful for long-term management. In addition, new agents have proved to be useful for patients with refractory disease.

Adalimumab successful in sarcoidosis patients with refractory chronic non-infectious uveitis

INTRODUCTION

Adalimumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeted against TNF-α, has proved to be successful in the treatment of uveitis. Another anti-TNF-α agent, i.e., infliximab, has been reported of benefit in the treatment of refractory sarcoidosis. The aim of this prospective case series was to evaluate the effect of adalimumab on intraocular inflammatory signs and other relevant clinical manifestations (lung function, serological inflammatory parameters, and fatigue) of sarcoidosis.

METHODS

Sarcoidosis patients with refractory posterior uveitis (n = 26, 17 females, 41 eyes in total) were systematically followed for 12 months after initiation of adalimumab 40 mg sc once a week. Inclusion criteria were non-responsiveness to prednisone and methotrexate (MTX) or intolerance to these drugs. Adjunctive therapy with prednisone and MTX was tapered during treatment with adalimumab. Localization and improvement, stabilization or deterioration of intraocular inflammatory signs was scored. Pulmonary function- and laboratory testing were performed and Fatigue Assessment Scale was completed. Results at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months were compared.

RESULTS

Choroidal involvement resolved in 10/15 patients, five had partial improvement; vasculitis resolved in 1/1 patient; papillitis resolved in 7/8 patients, one had partial response; macular edema resolved in 5/8 patients, three had partial response; vitreous cleared completely in 5/5 patients. Overall outcome regarding intraocular inflammatory signs showed improvement in 22 patients (85%) and stabilization in four patients (15%). At 12 months, no recurrences were reported in those successfully treated. Laboratory parameters of inflammatory activity (C-reactive protein; serum angiotensin-converting enzyme and soluble interleukin-2 Receptor) improved (p < 0.01). Moreover, fatigue improved in 14/21 (67%) of the patients suffering from fatigue and the diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) improved in 7/8 (88%) of patients with a decreased DLCO (p < 0.01). The dosage of both prednisone and MTX could be tapered down significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Adalimumab appeared successful in sarcoidosis patients with refractory chronic non-infectious uveitis showing improvement in intraocular inflammatory signs as well as in other relevant clinical indicators of disease activity. Future randomized studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage, dose interval and duration of therapy in refractory multisystemic sarcoidosis.