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Neurologia I Neurochirurgia Polska 2022This study was performed to compare probabilities of SDI on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
This study was performed to compare probabilities of SDI on the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), treated with cladribine tablets (CT) or fingolimod (FTY), natalizumab (NAT), alemtuzumab (ALE) and ocrelizumab (OCR).
CLINICAL RATIONALE FOR THE STUDY
Progression of neurological disability as measured by the EDSS has been a common endpoint in multiple sclerosis (MS) trials. Novel therapies can not only slow this process, but in some patients even reverse it. This effect can be measured by the sustained disability improvement (SDI) - an endpoint that seems to continuously gain importance in clinical practice. Despite that, SDI has rarely been explored as an outcome in MS clinical studies, mostly as post-hoc analyses from randomised trials or as retrospective analyses based on patient registry records.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in Medline, Embase and Cochrane to identify clinical trials (RCT or non-RCT) evaluating 6-month SDI. An indirect comparison via network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed. Bayesian inference with Markov chains Monte Carlo methods were applied.
RESULTS
Eight trials presenting SDI results and applicable for NMA were included: six non-RCTs, with control groups selected by propensity score matching, and two RCTs. NMA results revealed that probability of achieving 6-month SDI with CT was significantly higher compared to all other high efficacy disease-modifying drugs with available data - HR (95% Crl - Bayesian Credibility Interval) vs. FTY: 4.98 (2.11-11.79); vs. NAT: 3.12 (1.31-7.27); vs. ALE: 9.29 (3.40-25.21). The main results were confirmed in the sensitivity analyses.
CONCLUSIONS
Of all considered therapies, treatment with cladribine tablets was associated with a higher probability of sustained disability improvement in RRMS patients. As this conclusion is based on available clinical data of limited quality, future studies, as well as real-world data, would be valuable to provide further evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of RRMS therapies.
Topics: Humans; Cladribine; Multiple Sclerosis; Immunosuppressive Agents; Network Meta-Analysis; Retrospective Studies; Bayes Theorem; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Tablets
PubMed: 36421066
DOI: 10.5603/PJNNS.a2022.0068 -
Current Pharmaceutical Design 2024Co-signaling and adhesion molecules are important elements for creating immune synapses between T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells; they positively or negatively...
BACKGROUND
Co-signaling and adhesion molecules are important elements for creating immune synapses between T lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells; they positively or negatively regulate the interaction between a T cell receptor with its cognate antigen, presented by the major histocompatibility complex.
OBJECTIVES
We conducted a systematic review on the effects of High Efficacy Disease Modifying Drugs (HEDMDs) for Multiple Sclerosis (MS) on the co-signaling and adhesion molecules that form the immune synapse.
METHODS
We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and other sources to identify clinical or preclinical reports on the effects of HEDMDs on co-signaling and adhesion molecules that participate in the formation of immune synapses in patients with MS or other autoimmune disorders. We included reports on cladribine tablets, anti- CD20 monoclonal antibodies, S1P modulators, inhibitors of Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase, and natalizumab.
RESULTS
In 56 eligible reports among 7340 total publications, limited relevant evidence was uncovered. Not all co-signaling and adhesion molecules have been studied in relation to every HEDMD, with more data being available on the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies (that affect CD80, CD86, GITR and TIGIT), cladribine tablets (affecting CD28, CD40, ICAM-1, LFA-1) and the S1P modulators (affecting CD86, ICAM-1 and LFA-1) and less on Natalizumab (affecting CD80, CD86, CD40, LFA-1, VLA-4) and Alemtuzumab (affecting GITR and CTLA-4).
CONCLUSION
The puzzle of HEDMD effects on the immune synapse is far from complete. The available evidence suggests that distinguishing differences exist between drugs and are worth pursuing further.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Cell Adhesion Molecules; Immunological Synapses; Multiple Sclerosis
PubMed: 38343058
DOI: 10.2174/0113816128288102240131053205 -
Expert Review of Pharmacoeconomics &... Oct 2021: Novel immunotherapeutic agents (e.g. monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engagers) as treatment options for hematologic malignancies...
: Novel immunotherapeutic agents (e.g. monoclonal antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engagers) as treatment options for hematologic malignancies continue to emerge. These agents have been used as the standard of care in specific disease states and are associated with high costs. Value assessment of these therapies is of critical importance for coverage and reimbursement decision-making.: We identified 15 immunotherapeutic agents through the U.S. FDA approvals for hematologic malignancies until 2018 and systematically reviewed related cost-effectiveness studies. Additionally, we examined whether drug wastage was accounted for in these studies.: We reviewed 51 studies for 14 identified immunotherapeutic agents that met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Three studies were observational-based, one study was model-based and incorporated observational data. The remaining studies were model-based with the majority of the model parameters extracted from randomized control trials (RCTs). Among 43 model-based economic evaluations, 13 studies accounted for drug wastage. Most of the studies showed favorable incremental cost-effectiveness ratios of immunotherapeutic agents-containing regimens when compared with no immunotherapeutic agents-containing regimens. Alemtuzumab, brentuximab vedotin, and daratumumab were not considered cost-effective across all the studies. Further investigations are warranted to establish the value of recent immunotherapeutic agents for hematologic malignancies.
Topics: Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Hematologic Neoplasms; Humans; Immunotherapy; Models, Economic; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Refuse Disposal
PubMed: 33934691
DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2021.1913056 -
CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics May 2022Previous research has shown that cerebral T1 hypointense lesions are positively correlated with the disability of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Hence, they could be... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous research has shown that cerebral T1 hypointense lesions are positively correlated with the disability of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Hence, they could be used as an objective marker for evaluating the progression of the disease. Up to this date, there has not been a systematic evaluation of the effects of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) on this prognostic marker.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effects of FDA-approved DMTs on the numbers and volume of T1 hypointense lesions in adult patients with MS.
METHODS
We included studies with the mentioned desired outcomes. In March 2021, we searched MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, and CENTRAL to find relevant studies. All included studies were assessed for the risk of bias using the RoB-2 tool. Extracted data were analyzed using a random-effects model. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies with 7484 participants were included. Meta-analysis revealed the mean difference between the intervention and comparator groups for the number of lesions was -1.3 (95% CI: -2.1, -0.5) and for the mean volume of lesions was -363.1 (95% CI: -611.6, -114.6). Certainty of evidence was judged to be moderate. Heterogeneity was considerable.
DISCUSSION
DMTs reduce the number and volume of T1 hypointense lesions. Although, these findings must be interpreted cautiously due to the high values of heterogeneity.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Multiple Sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting
PubMed: 35218155
DOI: 10.1111/cns.13815 -
Clinical Rheumatology Feb 2023Cutaneo us vasculitis (CV) has a broad spectrum of etiologies, and drugs are one of the main culprits. With the increasing use of targeted therapies in medicine,...
Cutaneo us vasculitis (CV) has a broad spectrum of etiologies, and drugs are one of the main culprits. With the increasing use of targeted therapies in medicine, especially in rheumatology and oncology, the number of CV cases reported due to these drugs has increased. Therefore, the recognition and treatment of CV associated with targeted agents have become more and more important. In the literature, anti-TNFs (n = 73, 59.5%), secukinumab (n = 7, 6%), rituximab (n = 5, 4%), tocilizumab (n = 1, 0.8%), ustekinumab (n = 8, 6.5%), abatacept (n = 3, 2.4%), Janus kinase inhibitors (n = 3, 2.4%), alemtuzumab (n = 3, 2.4%), and immune checkpoint inhibitors (n = 20, 16%) have been reported as responsible agents. However, our knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms is fairly limited, and the standardized management is yet to be established. Furthermore, though it is uncommon, this complication may pose a safety issue. In this manuscript, we reviewed the literature on CV with or without systemic involvement related to targeted agents. We also proposed the pathogenetic mechanisms of these adverse events. Thus, we aimed to make it easier for clinicians to manage similar cases by reviewing the diagnosis and treatment processes.
Topics: Humans; Abatacept; Antineoplastic Agents; Rituximab; Skin Diseases, Vascular; Ustekinumab; Vasculitis
PubMed: 36369405
DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06406-6 -
Clinical Therapeutics Oct 2020The goal of this study was to estimate the relative efficacy of acalabrutinib (monotherapy and in combination with obinutuzumab) compared with standard frontline... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
The goal of this study was to estimate the relative efficacy of acalabrutinib (monotherapy and in combination with obinutuzumab) compared with standard frontline treatments for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in fludarabine-ineligible patients, through a network meta-analysis (NMA).
METHODS
The efficacy of acalabrutinib from ELEVATE-TN (study of Obinutuzumab + Chlorambucil, Acalabrutinib [ACP-196] + Obinutuzumab, and Acalabrutinib in Subjects With Previously Untreated CLL) was compared to bendamustine + rituximab, chlorambucil-based therapy, alemtuzumab, ibrutinib mono/combination therapy and venetoclax + obinutuzumab using data from eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Relevant RCTs were identified using a systematic literature review. Two evidence networks were constructed: Network A, composed solely of RCTs that met the inclusion criteria; and Network B, composed of 7 RCTs and a published cross-trial comparison of ibrutinib from RESONATE-2 and chlorambucil + obinutuzumab from iLLUMINATE. Bayesian NMAs were conducted on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) endpoints; results were reported by using hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs). HRs were considered significant if their CrIs did not cross 1. Treatments were ranked by using the surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) values. Expert opinion from 2 hematologists was sought to validate results.
FINDINGS
Both networks showed a significant improvement in PFS for acalabrutinib + obinutuzumab over all comparators. Both networks also showed a significant improvement in PFS for acalabrutinib monotherapy versus most comparators, with a significant difference to ibrutinib monotherapy found in Network A but not Network B. Conversely, a significant difference in PFS was observed for acalabrutinib monotherapy versus venetoclax + obinutuzumab in Network B but not Network A. Although OS HRs all favored acalabrutinib, most were not significant and were characterized by wide CrIs, indicating a high level of uncertainty. Acalabrutinib + obinutuzumab ranked highest in terms of PFS improvement (SUCRA values, 98% and 100%) and OS improvement (SUCRA values, 92% and 94%), followed by acalabrutinib monotherapy (SUCRA values for PFS, 88% and 90%; OS, 83% and 87%) in Networks A and B, respectively.
IMPLICATIONS
Acalabrutinib was associated with favorable PFS and OS compared with frontline CLL therapies and ranked highest in treatment efficacy over the other comparators. The NMA was limited by heterogeneity in patient baseline characteristics across trials, variable treatment regimens, and short study follow-up times. Despite these limitations, the NMA provides insights into the relative efficacy of acalabrutinib compared with frontline CLL therapies in the absence of head-to-head clinical trials.
Topics: Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Bayes Theorem; Benzamides; Humans; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell; Network Meta-Analysis; Pyrazines; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 33032842
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2020.08.017 -
British Journal of Haematology Dec 2021Lymphocyte-variant hypereosinophilic syndrome (L-HES) is a rare disease driven by immunophenotypically aberrant T cells producing eosinophilopoetic cytokines such as...
Lymphocyte-variant hypereosinophilic syndrome (L-HES) is a rare disease driven by immunophenotypically aberrant T cells producing eosinophilopoetic cytokines such as interleukin-5 (IL-5). Treatment is challenging because L-HES is relatively steroid resistant and not amenable to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We searched the literature for clinical trials and observational studies, including case reports, of patients treated for L-HES. In all, 25 studies were selected; two were randomised controlled trials of IL-5 blockade, which included some patients with L-HES, and the rest were observational studies. Corticosteroids are often used as first-line therapy, but patients with L-HES have lower response rates than other types of HES. Treatments that reduce symptoms and steroid dependence in some patients include interferon-alpha (IFN-α), anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibodies, cyclosporine and mycophenolate. These drugs target T-cell activation and proliferation, or IL-5 directly. Although effective, IFN-α and cyclosporine were commonly reported to cause side-effects resulting in discontinuation. Alemtuzumab can induce remissions, but these are generally short lived. The anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibodies mepolizumab and benralizumab are effective and well tolerated, but with a high rate of relapse once withdrawn. Hydroxyurea, methotrexate, imatinib were unsuccessful in most patients studied. More prospective clinical trials are needed for patients with L-HES.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Alemtuzumab; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Cyclosporine; Humans; Hydroxyurea; Hypereosinophilic Syndrome; Imatinib Mesylate; Immunologic Factors; Immunosuppressive Agents; Interferon-alpha; Interleukin-5; Lymphocyte Activation; Lymphocytes
PubMed: 34105142
DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17615 -
BMC Research Notes Aug 2019Sporadic fatal adverse events have been reported during treatment of multiple sclerosis with alemtuzumab. To provide a systematic overview, we searched the centralized...
OBJECTIVE
Sporadic fatal adverse events have been reported during treatment of multiple sclerosis with alemtuzumab. To provide a systematic overview, we searched the centralized European Medicines Agency database of suspected adverse reactions related to medicinal products (EudraVigilance) for fatal adverse events associated with treatment with alemtuzumab (Lemtrada®) for multiple sclerosis. Four independent reviewers with expertise on MS, clinical immunology, infectious diseases and clinical pharmacology reviewed the reports, and scored the likelihood for causality.
RESULTS
We identified nine cases with a probable and one case with a possible causal relationship between alemtuzumab treatment and a fatal adverse event. Six of these patients died within one month after treatment; one from intracerebral hemorrhage, two from acute multiple organ failure and septic shock, one from listeriosis, one from pneumonia and one from agranulocytosis. Four patients died several months after administration of alemtuzumab from either autoimmune hepatitis, immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia or agranulocytosis. Four of the 10 cases had been published previously in case reports or congress abstracts. Fatal adverse events related to treatment with alemtuzumab occur more frequently than previously published in the literature. A significant proportion occurs in the first month after treatment.
Topics: Adult; Agranulocytosis; Alemtuzumab; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Fatal Outcome; Female; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Listeriosis; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Organ Failure; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Pneumonia
PubMed: 31405369
DOI: 10.1186/s13104-019-4507-6 -
Current Medical Research and Opinion Aug 2019To estimate the comparative efficacy of cladribine tablets versus alternative disease modifying therapies (DMTs) - fingolimod, natalizumab, alemtuzumab and ocrelizumab... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Estimating the comparative efficacy of cladribine tablets versus alternative disease modifying treatments in active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: adjusting for patient characteristics using meta-regression and matching-adjusted indirect treatment comparison approaches.
To estimate the comparative efficacy of cladribine tablets versus alternative disease modifying therapies (DMTs) - fingolimod, natalizumab, alemtuzumab and ocrelizumab - in adults with active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), using meta-regression to provide subpopulation-specific estimates of drug effect. Additionally, to determine the feasibility of conducting a matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) to validate the meta-regression results. A published systematic literature review (SLR) identified studies evaluating the efficacy of cladribine tablets and alternative DMTs in the management of active RRMS. A series of meta-regression models were run with adjustment for baseline risk, fitted to data from the intention-to-treat cohorts of trials identified in the SLR. A non-parametric MAIC analysis adjusted for differences between studies by reweighting patient-level data from the index trial to match the mean baseline characteristics reported for trials with only aggregate data. The meta-regression analysis showed significant overlap in credible intervals for the hazard ratios of 6 month confirmed disability progression (CDP-6M) and annualized relapse rate (ARR), with no therapy statistically dominating in terms of efficacy and all therapies estimated to reduce the ARR compared to placebo in all subpopulations. In the MAIC analysis, cladribine tablets showed a reduction in CDP-6M and ARR comparable to alemtuzumab before and after matching. This analysis has demonstrated that cladribine tablets have comparable relative efficacy to other highly efficacious DMTs in active RRMS across all subpopulations, thus validating the comparative effectiveness results from previous network meta-analysis. The MAIC analysis showed that cladribine tablets are comparable in efficacy to alemtuzumab in the treatment of patients with RRMS.
Topics: Cladribine; Disease Progression; Fingolimod Hydrochloride; Humans; Immunosuppressive Agents; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting; Tablets; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 30786783
DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2019.1585779