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New evidence shows Rituximab halts damage to joints
June 23, 2006A significant finding in previously unstudied group of rheumatoid arthritis patients
New data, presented today at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology show for the first time that a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment, rituximab, is able to significantly inhibit the structural damage to joints caused by RA in patients who have long-standing disease and an inadequate response to one or more TNF (Tumour Necrosis Factor) inhibitors.
Prevention of joint structural damage in rheumatoid arthritis is a critical therapeutic outcome. Many patients respond well to the TNF inhibitors, a relatively new class of therapy which prevents TNF protein causing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, however approximately 30%—40% of patients treated with this therapy experience either an inadequate response or are intolerant to such therapies. As such, the study was designed to investigate the effect at 1 year of rituximab (a new therapy targeting B-cells — cells which create abnormal antibodies causing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms) plus methotrexate (an antimetabolite drug which inhibits the synthesis of DNA, RNA and protein, previously the gold standard in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis) on joint structural damage, compared to methotrexate alone in rheumatoid patients with inadequate response to one or more TNF inhibitors.
The results reveal bone erosions in patients in the rituximab group were reduced by over half during the course of a year compared to patients receiving placebo (erosion scores of 0.59 and 1.32 respectively), as were the narrowing of joint spaces (scores of 0.41 and 0.99 respectively). In addition the proportion of patients with no change in erosion score was significantly higher in the rituximab group compared to placebo.
"These findings suggest that treatment with rituximab plus methotrexate is associated with significant inhibition of joint structural damage, an important finding in patients who do not currently respond to other treatments" explained Professor Edward Keystone, Rheumatology Department at the University of Toronto, Canada, one of the studies principle investigators. "Stopping joint damage indicates that the disease pathway has been interrupted, a goal we strive for in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. As such, today's results have the potential to offer many patients a new hope".
European League Against Rheumatism
The results reveal bone erosions in patients in the rituximab group were reduced by over half during the course of a year compared to patients receiving placebo (erosion scores of 0.59 and 1.32 respectively), as were the narrowing of joint spaces (scores of 0.41 and 0.99 respectively). In addition the proportion of patients with no change in erosion score was significantly higher in the rituximab group compared to placebo.
"These findings suggest that treatment with rituximab plus methotrexate is associated with significant inhibition of joint structural damage, an important finding in patients who do not currently respond to other treatments" explained Professor Edward Keystone, Rheumatology Department at the University of Toronto, Canada, one of the studies principle investigators. "Stopping joint damage indicates that the disease pathway has been interrupted, a goal we strive for in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. As such, today's results have the potential to offer many patients a new hope".
European League Against Rheumatism
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Pain thresholds linked to inflammation and sleep problems in arthritis patients
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New therapy for vasculitis will help patients avoid infertility and cancer
Researchers have identified that Rituxan, a drug previously approved for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis, can treat severe ANCA-associated vasculitis as effectively as cyclophosphamide, the current standard therapy.
Strategy for mismatched stem cell transplants triggers protection against graft-vs.-host disease
A new technique being tested in stem-cell transplants from imperfectly matched donors has revealed a striking, unforeseen response that can suppress graft-versus-host disease, a common and dangerous complication of mismatched transplants, report scientists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Grains and lamb offer new sources of omega-3
CSIRO research on grains and lamb aimed at developing new dietary sources of long-chain omega-3 oils will be presented at the World Congress on Oils and Fats in Sydney this week.
Visionary concept earns La Jolla Institute scientist prestigious NIH Pioneer Award
A scientist at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology has received one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH)'s top awards -- the 2009 NIH Director's Pioneer Award.
Experimental approach may reverse rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis
Researchers have identified a mechanism that may keep a well known signaling molecule from eroding bone and inflaming joints, according to an early study published online today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Promising new target emerges for autoimmune diseases
University of Michigan scientists say they have uncovered a fundamentally new mechanism that holds in check aggressive immune cells that can attack the body's own cells.
New 'biofactories' produce rare healing substances in the endangered Devil's claw plant
Deep in Africa's Kalahari Desert lies the "Devil's claw," a plant that may hold the key to effective treatments for arthritis, tendonitis and other illnesses that affect millions each year.
Abnormal Brain Circuits May Prevent Movement Disorder
Most people who carry a genetic mutation for a movement disorder called dystonia will never develop symptoms, a phenomenon that has puzzled scientists since the first genetic mutation was identified in the 1990's.
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