What Is New - Myositis and Connective Tissue Disease (other than SLE)
Take a look at our 'What is new' highlights in Myositis and Contective Tissue Disease (other than SLE)!
February 2023
"Characterising the autoantibody repertoire in systemic sclerosis following myeloablative haematopoietic stem cell transplantation"
Why WINS?
Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a promising therapy for severe diffuse SSc however, little is understood about its potential in reshaping abnormal immune system in autoimmune diseases. This study shows that HSCT favorably alters the autoantibody repertoire, which remains virtually unchanged in patients treated with cyclophosphamide and also identifies new markers that can be used to monitor transplanted SSc patients. Significant differences in autoantibody targets were identified in a subset of HSCT-treated subjects, particularly antigen targets such as soluble cytokines and chemokines, and cell surface receptors which may be useful to identify targets for future therapeutic interventions.
Interactive question
Do you think HSCT is a promising therapy for rebooting B cell repertoire and ultimately leading to antigen-specific tolerance? Yes/No
Share your response with us using the hashtag #WhatIsNew and tag us @EMEUNET
January 2023
"Continued treatment with nintedanib in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease: data from SENSCIS-ON"
Why WINS?
The efficacy and safety of nintedanib in patients with SSc-ILD were investigated in the SENSCIS trial, in which patients were randomised to receive nintedanib or placebo until the last patient had reached week 52 but for a maximum of 100 weeks. Over 52 weeks, nintedanib reduced the rate of decline in FVC (mL/year) by 44% compared with placebo. The results of SENSCIS-ON, a open-label extension study show that the safety profile of nintedanib over longer term use was consistent with that seen in the SENSCIS trial and that the change in FVC over 52 weeks of the open-label extension was similar to that seen in patients who received nintedanib in SENSCIS. These findings suggest that nintedanib can be used over the long term to slow the progression of SSc-ILD and so improve patient outcomes
Interactive question
Do you think nintedanib is an effective option for slowing the progression of SSc-ILD?
And if yes, do you use it in monotherapy or combined with MMF?
Share your response with us using the hashtag #WhatIsNew and tag us @EMEUNET
December 2022
"Effectiveness and safety of tocilizumab in patients with systemic sclerosis: a propensity score matched controlled observational study of the EUSTAR cohort"
Why WINS?
In the phase II faSScinate trial, a trend for improving skin fibrosis over placebo was found. Exploratory analysis revealed a possible stabilisation of FVC. The phase III focuSSced study confirmed the trend on skin fibrosis without reaching statistical significance. Stabilization of lung fibrosis, with FVC as a key secondary endpoint and additional HRCT quantification, was observed. These data have resulted in the approval of tocilizumab for SSc-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) by the FDA however, little is known about the use of Tocilizumab in a broader SSc population. This study assesses the safety and effectiveness of tocilizumab in a real-life setting using the European Scleroderma Trial and Research (EUSTAR) database. No significant effectiveness of tocilizumab was shown in this broader, multicentre, propensity score matched, controlled observational, heterogeneous, non-enriched real-life SSc population from the large European Scleroderma Trial and Research registry. This study adds important information from real-life to the existing RCTs with tocilizumab by generating hypothesis that should be confirmed in a prospective RCT with broader SSc population
Interactive question
What is your opinion on the use of TCZ in patients with SSc-ILD?
Share your response with us using the hashtag #WhatIsNew and tag us @EMEUNET
