英利昔单抗联合甲氨蝶呤治疗类风湿关节炎的随机双盲临床研究

目的评价英利昔单抗与甲氨蝶呤(MTX)联合使用与单独使用MTX,在治疗类风湿关节炎(RA)中的疗效与安全性。方法本研究为随机、双盲、平行对照的临床试验。49例接受过至少3个月稳定剂量MTX治疗的活动性RA患者随机分为试验组(24例)和对照组(25例)。两组受试者在第0、2、6、14周分别接受3mg/kg的英利昔单抗或安慰剂静脉滴注,同时每周按固定剂量继续服MTX。并于试验的第0、2、6、14、18周随访,评价疗效和不良反应。以美国风湿病学会(ACR)疗效评价指标ACR20为主要疗效指标,ACR50、ACR70、晨僵时间、关节肿胀数、关节肿胀指数、关节压痛数、关节压痛指数；次要疗效指标为疼痛目视模拟测量表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、疾病总体状况的医生评价VAS评分、疾病总体状况的病人评价VAS评分、健康评价问卷(HAQ)评分。结果治疗后第2周时,英利昔单抗联合MTX组ACR20有效率为62．5%,对照组仅为8．0%(P=0．002)；晨僵时间、关节压痛数、关节压痛指数、关节肿胀数、关节肿胀指数、疼痛VAS、疲乏VAS、医生总体评价VAS、病人总体评价VAS、HAQ和血沉等较对照组也均有显著的改善(P＜0．05或P＜0．01)。第18周时,英利昔单抗联合MTX组ACR20有效率为79．2%,对照组只有48．0%(P=0．024)。两组之间不良事件发生率差异无统计学意义。结论英利昔单抗联合MTX治疗RA的疗效明显优于单用MTX的疗效,能迅速改善与RA有关的各项症状、体征和实验室炎性活动指标,具有良好的安全性。     

依那西普治疗中国接受甲氨蝶呤治疗的活动性类风湿关节炎患者随机双盲多中心对照研究

目的 研究依那西普每周1次皮下注射50 mg对接受甲氨蝶呤(MTX)治疗的中国活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的疗效及安全性.方法 本研究由2部分组成:12周双盲治疗阶段和12周安全性开放研究阶段.双盲期间的随机通过临床操作随机化(CORE)系统完成.在双盲阶段,RA患者被随机分配到依那西普50mg治疗组或安慰剂组,每周1次皮下注射给药,同时坚持一定剂量MTX给药.完成双盲治疗的RA患者在开放治疗中均接受每周1次依那西普50 mg和MTX给药.以美国风湿病学会(ACR)疗效评价指标ACR 20为主要终点疗效指标.次要终点疗效指标包括医生和患者总体评价、晨僵持续时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)、C反应蛋白(CRP)值、疼痛和肿胀关节数.并且比较2组的安全性结果.采用Fisher精确概率法对主要终点疗效指标第12周ACR 20应答情况及其他次要终点疗效指标进行分析.使用协方差方法分析连续终点相对于基线的变化.结果 双盲治疗期间修正的意向性治疗人群(Mitt)共有156例患者,其中依那西普+MTX组77例.安慰剂+MTX组79例,149例患者完成双盲阶段的治疗.治疗4周时,依那西普+MTX组ACR 20有效率为39%(30/77),安慰剂+MTX组为16%(13/79),差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);12周时,依那西普+MTX组ACR 20有效率为62%(48/77),安慰剂+MTX组为23%(18/79),差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).其他疗效指标包括医生和患者总体评价、晨僵持续时间、疼痛VAS、HAQ、CRP、触痛关节数、肿胀关节数等均从第4周开始,在依那西普+MTX组明显优于安慰剂+MTX组(P<0.01).总的不良反应发生率在2组间差异无统计学意义.结论 与安慰剂治疗活动性RA相比.依那西普治疗活动性RA起效迅速、疗效显著.依那西普50 mg+MTX每周1次给药治疗中国成年活动性RA患者24周,耐受性良好.     

周期联合甲氨蝶呤和环磷酰胺对大鼠胶原诱导性关节炎滑膜细胞周期蛋白D1表达的研究

目的 通过研究大鼠胶原诱导件关节炎(CIA)滑膜组织细胞周期蛋白D1(cyclin D1)的表达以及甲氨蝶呤(MTX)和环磷酰胺(CTX)对其的影响,从周期调控的角度探讨两者联合治疗类风湿关节炎(RA)可能的协同效应机制.方法 建立Ⅱ型胶原诱导的雌性Wistar大鼠CIA模型,随机分为正常对照组、CIA模型对照组、小剂量MTX治疗组(每周0.9 mg/kg)、大剂量MTX治疗组(每周2.7mg/kg)、小剂量CTX间歇治疗组(每3周24 mg/kg)、联合治疗组(MTX每周0.9 mg/kg+CTX每3周24mg/kg).治疗24周后全部动物处死取材,再经同定、脱钙、包埋,原位杂交法检测滑膜细胞周期蛋白cyclin D1 mRNA.结果 CIA模型组大鼠关节滑膜组织的cvclin D1 mRNA的阳性染色强度明显高于正常对照组(P＜0.05),各治疗组滑膜cvclin D1 mRNA下调,联合治疗组cyclin D1 mRNA表达最低,各组间平均灰度值差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).MTX与CTX存在药物交互作用(P＜0.05),联合治疗组优于单用药治疗组.结论 提示MTX和CTX联合治疗为协同效应,可能的重要机制是使滑膜cyclin D1 mRNA下调,从而抑制了滑膜细胞异常增殖.     

Infliximab治疗类风湿关节炎的随机双盲平行多中心临床试验

目的评价infliximab与甲氨蝶呤(MTX)联合使用与单独使用MTX在治疗类风湿关节炎(RA)中的疗效与安全性。方法随机、双肓、平行、多中心试验。患者在入组前至少MTX治疗3个月,且MTX剂量稳定在7．5～20 mg/周,病情未得到满意控制。受试者在第0、2、6、14周分别接受3 mg/kg的infliximab或安慰剂静脉滴注,同时每周按同定剂量服MTX。受试者分别在试验的第0、2、6、14、18周随访．评价疗效和不良反应。疗效以美国风湿病学会(ACR)疗效评价指标为指标。其中以ACR20为主要疗效指标,ACR50、ACR70、关节肿胀数、关节肿胀评分、关节触痛数、晨僵持续时间、疼痛视觉模拟评分(VAS)及疲乏VAS评分、C反应蛋白(CRP)、血沉(ESR)、健康状况问卷(HAQ)为次要疗效指标。结果本研究试验组87例、对照组86例。试验第2周时,infliximab MTX组ACR20改善者占52．9％,对照组只有14．0％(P=0．0003)；且关节肿胀数、关节触痛数、晨僵时间、疼痛VAS的评分、CRP、ESR等指标明显改善,有统计学意义(P＜0．05)。第18周,infliximab MTX组ACR20改善者75．9％,对照组只有48．8％(P= 0．0003)：ACR50改善者43．7％、对照组25．6％(P=0．01 1)。与单用MTX对照组相比,其不良事件发生率差异无统计学意义(P=0．215),多数不良事件无需停药,试验组有1例结核感染者。结论Infliximab MTX治疗RA的疗效明显优于单用MTX的疗效,能迅速改善RA的各项症状、体征和实验室炎性活动指标。     

阿达木单抗联合甲氨蝶呤治疗类风湿关节炎的多中心、随机、双盲、安慰剂对照临床研究

目的 评价阿达木单抗联合甲氨蝶呤(MTX)治疗类风湿关节炎(RA)的疗效与安全性.方法 随机、双盲、平行、安慰剂对照的多中心临床试验.302例入组前已经至少接受MTX 3个月治疗且剂量稳定≥28 d的活动性RA患者,随机分为40 mg阿达木单抗+MTX组(A组,121例)、80 mg阿达木单抗+MTX组(B组,121例)、安慰剂+MTX组(C组,60例).患者隔周皮下注射阿达木单抗或安慰剂,双盲治疗期为12周.完成双盲期的患者进入后12周开放期,3组患者均予隔周皮下注射40 mg阿达木单抗.在双盲期和开放期的患者同时继续接受研究前稳定剂量的MTX.观察主要疗效指标[双盲期治疗第12周修改的美国风湿病学会疗效标准提高20%(ACR20)有效率]、次要疗效指标[第24周ACR20有效率;第12周、第24周修改的美国风湿病学会疗效标准提高50%(ACR50)、修改的美国风湿病学会疗效标准提高70%(ACR70)有效率]、压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分,医生对疾病活动性整体评价、患者对疾病活动性整体评价、健康评价问卷(HAQ)评分、评估健康相关生活质量简表36(SF-36)评分及不良事件.结果 (1)双盲期,ACR20有效率C组为35.0%,A组为57.0%,B组为51.2%,A组、B组与C组比较,P<0.05;A组ACR50、ACR70有效率分别为32.2%、15.7%,与C组比较,P<0.05;A组压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、C反应蛋白水平的改善优于C组(P<0.05);B组肿胀关节数、C反应蛋白水平的改善优于C组(P<0.05).(2)开放期,A组、B组ACR20、ACR50、ACR70有效率仍维持或有所提高,而C组的ACR20、ACR50、ACR70有效率则升高至与A组、B组类似的水平.在压痛关节数、肿胀关节数、疼痛视觉模拟评分、HAQ、SF-36方面,3组均比基线、第12周时有更明显的好转.(3)双盲期与开放期中超过5%的患者有不良事件(上呼吸道感染、鼻咽炎和注射部位瘙痒),多数为轻～中度.有3例患者在研究期间出现结核病.在双盲期,有3例(1.2%)受试者出现了严重不良事件,但研究者判定与药物无关或可能无关.在开放期,有8例(2.7%)受试者出现了严重不良事件,其中3例判定与药物无关或可能无关.结论 阿达木单抗联合MTX治疗RA的疗效优于单用MTX,可显著提高治疗有效率并持续改善症状、体征、实验室炎性活动指标,减少功能障碍并提高整体生活质量,同时具有良好的安全性与耐受性.     

类风湿关节炎患者疲乏症状与疾病活动及生活质量关系的研究

目的 评价类风湿关节炎(RA)患者疲乏症状的发生率,并探讨疲乏与疾病活动、功能状态及生活质量的关系.方法 入选RA患者230例,应用疲乏目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分评估患者疲乏的发生率,探讨疲乏评分≥50 mm和<50 mm的RA患者临床指标、疾病活动、功能状态、生活质量及实验室炎性指标的变化,并对疲乏的相关因素进行分析.结果 85.7%的RA患者疲乏VAS评分≥20 mm,51.7%的患者疲乏VAS评分≥50 mm.疲乏评分≥50 mm的患者与<50 mm的患者相比,晨僵时间、疼痛VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评估(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)得分及红细胞沉降率(ESR)明显增高,而健康测量量表SF-36中有关生理和心理健康8个维度得分明显降低,差异均有统计学意义.双变量相关分析显示:疲乏与晨僵时间、疼痛VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、TJC、TJI、SJC、SJI、DAS28、HAQ及SF-36中有关生理和心理健康的8个维度均有低至中等程度的相关性,与ESR、C反应蛋白(CRP)之间具有较弱的相关性.结论 疲乏是RA患者的一个重要症状,并与患者疼痛、疾病活动、功能状态及生活质量相关.     

甲氨蝶呤联合环磷酰胺对胶原诱导性关节炎大鼠滑膜细胞p53表达的研究

目的 通过对类风湿关节炎(RA)动物模型胶原诱导性关节炎(CIA)大鼠的实验研究,从滑膜细胞p53表达的角度,探讨甲氨蝶呤(MTX)联合环磷酰胺(CTX)治疗RA协同作用和机制.方法 建立Ⅱ型胶原诱导的雌性Wistar大鼠CIA模型,将造模成功的75只大鼠随机分成5组:CIA模型对照组、小剂量MTX治疗组(每周0.9 mg/kg)、大剂量MTX治疗组(每周2.7 mg/kg),小剂量CTX治疗组(每3周24 mg/kg)及小剂量MTX联合小剂量CTX组(MTX每周0.9 mg/kg+CTX每3周24 mg/kg).选8只大鼠为健康对照组,共6组.治疗24周后处死全部动物并取材,经固定、脱钙、包埋,通过免疫组织化学法检测滑膜细胞突变型p53的表达.结果 突变型p53在CIA组表达上调(P<0.05),联合治疗组下调突变型p53优于小剂量MTX、小剂量CTX组(P<0.05),与大剂量MTX组相当(P<0.05).结论 联合治疗组在下调突变型p53表达的作用均优于小剂量MTX、小剂量CTX单用药治疗组,提示MTX和CTX联合治疗为协同作用.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

活动性类风湿关节炎患者生活质量及影响因素分析

目的 探讨活动性类风湿关节炎(RA)患者的健康相关生活质量及其影响因素.方法 采用健康测量量表SF-36对127例活动件RA患者的生活质量进行评价,与非活动性RA患者及健康对照者进行比较,并探讨晨僵时间、疼痛目视模拟测试表(VAS)评分、疲乏VAS评分、患者对自身健康状况的总体评价(PGA)、医生总体评价、压痛关节数(TJC)、压痛关节指数(TJI)、肿胀关节数(SJC)、肿胀关节指数(SJI)、疾病活动指数28(DAS28)、健康评估问卷(HAQ)等临床评价指标与生活质量的相关性.结果 活动性RA患者SF-36量表各维度评分均明显低于健康对照者(P<0.01);与非活动性RA患者相比,除总体健康(GH)外,活动性RA患者其他各维度评分均明显低于非活动性RA患者(P<0.01).疲乏VAS评分、PGA、医生总体评价、HAQ、DAS28是与SF-36量表各维度相关最为密切的临床参数,这些临床参数与各个维度的评分均相关(r=-0.189～-0.673).疼痛VAS评分与除情感职能(RE)外的各维度评分呈低～中度相关(r=-0.201～-0.547);TJI与除GH、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.189～-0.466),TJC与除GH、社会功能(SF)、RE外的各维度相关(r=-0.179～-0.416),红细胞沉降率与3个维度相关(r=-0.180～-0.266).结论 活动性RA患者的生活质量明显下降,疾病活动、功能状态与患者的生活质量密切相关.     

氨基咪唑氨甲酰转移酶基因多态性在类风湿关节炎患者甲氨蝶呤治疗中的研究

目的 探讨类风湿关节炎(RA)患者氨基咪唑氨甲酰转移酶(ATIC)基因347C/G(rs2372536)单核苷酸多态性(SNP)与甲氨蝶呤(MTX)疗效和不良反应的相关性.方法 收集RA患者359例,分为单用MTX组、MTX联用其他改善病情药(DMARDs)组、非MTX的DMARDs组,于治疗前和治疗后12、24周检查患者临床及实验室指标,评价疗效(采用ACR20)及不良反应.采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(PCR)法检测RA患者及340名健康对照组的ATIC基因C347G多态性,比较2组间基因型分布及等位基因频率.结果 RA与健康对照组ATIC基因347C/G基因型分布频率差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).单用MTX治疗组的有效率为72%(77/107例),有效组ATIC 347CC,CG,GG基因型与无效组间差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),不良反应发生率为32.7%,且携带ATIC G等位基因型患者的不良反应发生率(22.4%)明显高于CC基因型组(10.3%)(OR=2.67,95%可信区间为1.27～5.59),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).MTX联用其他DMARDs(128例)组及非MTX的DMARDs组(90例),ATIC基因多态性与其疗效及不良反应无关(P>0.05).结论 ATIC基因347C/G多态性在RA患者与健康对照组间差异无统计学意义;与MTX治疗RA的疗效无明显相关性,但ATIC G等位基因与MTX的不良反应密切相关.因此ATIC基因347C/G多态性可能作为患者使用MTX的出现不良反应的预测指标.     

Dose escalation of parenteral methotrexate in active rheumatoid arthritis that has been unresponsive to conventional doses of methotrexate: a randomized, controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether dose escalation of intramuscular (IM) methotrexate (MTX) up to 45 mg/week improves disease control in patients who have active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite receiving conventional doses (15 mg/week) of IM MTX, and to obtain preliminary data on patient tolerability and adverse effects of higher doses of IM MTX. METHODS: Patients >18 years of age who had active RA, defined as a European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) of >3.2, and who had received 15-20 mg/week of oral MTX for at least 2 months were switched (week 0) to 15 mg/week of IM MTX for 6 weeks. Patients whose DAS28 remained >3.2 at both week 4 and week 6 were randomized, in a double-blind manner, either to continue to receive 15 mg/week IM MTX with monthly placebo escalation or to receive escalating doses of IM MTX monthly up to 45 mg/week. The dose of MTX or placebo was escalated every 4 weeks if the DAS28 was >2.5. Safety assessments and determination of the DAS28 were performed every 2 weeks and monthly, respectively. Disease activity parameters from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) core disease activity set and health status as recorded on the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 12 were determined at baseline (week 0) and final assessment (week 22). The primary outcome was the percentage of patients in each group achieving a target DAS28 of <3.2. Secondary outcomes comprised the percentage of patients whose DAS28 improved by >1.2, the percentage of patients achieving a 20% improvement in the ACR core disease activity measures (ACR20), and the percentage of patients achieving a good response, a moderate response, or no response in accordance with the EULAR response criteria. RESULTS: Sixty-four patients were eligible for entry and were switched from oral MTX to 15 mg/week IM MTX. At baseline, the mean +/- SD DAS28 was 5.6 +/- 0.88; after 6 weeks of IM MTX, the DAS28 had improved by a mean of 0.42 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.15-0.69). At 6 weeks, 54 patients still had a DAS28 of >3.2 and were therefore eligible for randomization. By 22 weeks, 1 patient (3.7%) in each group achieved the primary outcome of a DAS28 <3.2 (95% CI for the difference between the groups -15% to +15%). Five patients (18.5%) in each group showed an improvement of >1.2 in the DAS28 (95% CI for the difference between the groups -18% to +18%). One patient (3.7%) in each group achieved an ACR20 response, but none achieved a good response as defined by the EULAR response criteria. One patient in each group had a serious adverse reaction; minor adverse reactions were more frequently reported in the dose escalation group. CONCLUSION: Switching from oral to parenteral MTX 15 mg/week results in a minor improvement in disease control. For patients with active RA receiving 15 mg/week IM MTX, increasing the dose up to 45 mg/week does not improve disease control. Higher doses of IM MTX were generally well tolerated and not associated with an increase in serious adverse reactions to the drug.     

Anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy does not diminish the immune response to influenza vaccine in Japanese patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

The superiority of the combination therapy of methotrexate (MTX) and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biological agents over anti-TNF monotherapy in MTX-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been demonstrated. We investigated the efficacy and safety of continuation versus discontinuation of MTX at the commencement of etanercept (ETN) in patients with active RA despite MTX therapy. In total, 151 patients with active RA despite treatment with MTX were randomized to either ETN 25 mg twice a week and MTX 6–8 mg/week (the E + M group) or ETN alone (the E group). Co-primary endpoints included the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) good response rate and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 50 response rate at week 24. Demographic and clinical features between groups at baseline were similar. The EULAR good response rates were significantly higher in the E + M group (52%) than in the E group (33%) at week 24 (p = 0.0001). Although the ACR50 response rate, one of the co-primary endpoints, and the ACR70 response rate at week 24 were not significantly greater in the E + M group (64 and 38%, respectively) than in the E group (48 and 26%, respectively), the ACR20 response rate was significantly greater in the E + M group (90%) than in the E group (64%; p = 0.0002). Safety profiles were similar for the groups. Thus, MTX should be continued at the commencement of ETN therapy, even in RA patients who show an inappropriate response to MTX.     

Etanercept (ETN) with methotrexate (MTX) is better than ETN monotherapy in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis despite MTX therapy: a randomized trial

The superiority of the combination therapy of methotrexate (MTX) and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) biological agents over anti-TNF monotherapy in MTX-naïve patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been demonstrated. We investigated the efficacy and safety of continuation versus discontinuation of MTX at the commencement of etanercept (ETN) in patients with active RA despite MTX therapy. In total, 151 patients with active RA despite treatment with MTX were randomized to either ETN 25 mg twice a week and MTX 6–8 mg/week (the E + M group) or ETN alone (the E group). Co-primary endpoints included the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) good response rate and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 50 response rate at week 24. Demographic and clinical features between groups at baseline were similar. The EULAR good response rates were significantly higher in the E + M group (52%) than in the E group (33%) at week 24 (p = 0.0001). Although the ACR50 response rate, one of the co-primary endpoints, and the ACR70 response rate at week 24 were not significantly greater in the E + M group (64 and 38%, respectively) than in the E group (48 and 26%, respectively), the ACR20 response rate was significantly greater in the E + M group (90%) than in the E group (64%; p = 0.0002). Safety profiles were similar for the groups. Thus, MTX should be continued at the commencement of ETN therapy, even in RA patients who show an inappropriate response to MTX.     

Golimumab,a new human anti–tumor necrosis factor α antibody,administered intravenously in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: Forty‐eight–week efficacy and safety results of a phase III randomized,double‐blind,placebo‐controlled study

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous administration of golimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Adult patients with RA in whom disease activity was persistent despite treatment with methotrexate (MTX) at a dosage of 15–25 mg/week for ≥4 weeks were randomized to receive intravenous infusions of placebo plus MTX or intravenous infusions of golimumab at a dose of 2 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg, with or without MTX, every 12 weeks through week 48. Patients with <20% improvement in the swollen and tender joint counts could enter early escape and receive additional active treatment (week 16) or could have their dose regimen adjusted (week 24). The primary end point was the proportion of patients achieving a 50% response according to the American College of Rheumatology improvement criteria (ACR50) at week 14.

Results

The primary study end point was not met (at week 14, an ACR50 response was observed in 21% of the patients treated with golimumab plus MTX compared with 13% of the patients treated with placebo plus MTX [P = 0.051]). By week 24, significantly more patients treated with golimumab plus MTX had achieved an ACR50 response. Differences in the proportion of patients achieving an ACR50 response between the group receiving golimumab monotherapy and the group receiving placebo plus MTX were not significant at either week 14 (16% versus 13%) or week 24 (10% versus 9%). At week 48, the proportions of patients achieving ACR20 and ACR50 responses were highest among those who had received golimumab 4 mg/kg plus MTX (70% and 48%, respectively). Concomitant treatment with MTX was associated with a lower incidence of antibodies to golimumab. The most commonly reported adverse events through week 48 were infections (48% of patients treated with golimumab with or without MTX and 41% of patients receiving placebo plus MTX).

Conclusion

The primary end point was not met. However, intravenously administered golimumab plus MTX appears to have benefit in the longer‐term reduction of RA signs/symptoms in MTX‐resistant patients, with no unexpected safety concerns.

     

Golimumab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis despite treatment with methotrexate: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy, safety, and pharmacology of subcutaneous administration of golimumab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite treatment with methotrexate (MTX). METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned in a double-blinded manner to receive injections of placebo plus MTX or 50 mg or 100 mg golimumab every 2 or 4 weeks plus MTX through week 48. Patients originally assigned to receive injections every 2 weeks had the interval increased to every 4 weeks starting at week 20. The primary end point was the proportion of patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (achieving an ACR20 response) at week 16. The study was powered to detect a difference in the primary end point when the combined golimumab groups and at least 1 of the individual dose groups were compared with placebo. RESULTS: The primary end point was attained. Sixty-one percent of patients in the combined golimumab plus MTX dose groups achieved an ACR20 response at week 16 compared with 37% of patients in the placebo plus MTX group (P=0.010). In addition, 79% of patients in the group receiving 100 mg golimumab every 2 weeks achieved an ACR20 response (P<0.001 versus placebo). Through week 20 (after which patients receiving placebo were switched to active infliximab therapy), serious adverse events were reported in 9% of patients in the combined golimumab groups and in 6% of patients in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Golimumab plus MTX effectively reduces the signs and symptoms of RA and is generally well tolerated in patients with an inadequate response to MTX.     

Study of active controlled tocilizumab monotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis patients with an inadequate response to methotrexate (SATORI): significant reduction in disease activity and serum vascular endothelial growth factor by IL-6 receptor inhibition therapy

We investigated the clinical efficacy and safety of tocilizumab (a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor antibody) monotherapy in active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with an inadequate response to low dose methotrexate (MTX). In a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial, 125 patients were allocated to receive either tocilizumab 8 mg/kg every 4 weeks plus MTX placebo (tocilizumab group) or tocilizumab placebo plus MTX 8 mg/week (control group) for 24 weeks. The clinical responses were measured using the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were also monitored. At week 24, 25.0% in the control group and 80.3% in the tocilizumab group achieved ACR20 response. The tocilizumab group showed superior ACR response criteria over control at all time points. Additionally, serum VEGF levels were significantly decreased by tocilizumab treatment. The overall incidences of adverse events (AEs) were 72 and 92% (serious AEs: 4.7 and 6.6%; serious infections: 1.6 and 3.3%) in the control and the tocilizumab groups, respectively. All serious adverse events improved by adequate treatment. Tocilizumab monotherapy was well tolerated and provided an excellent clinical benefit in active RA patients with an inadequate response to low dose MTX.     

Comparison of the clinical efficacy and safety of subcutaneous versus oral administration of methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: results of a six-month, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled, phase IV trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous (SC) versus oral administration of methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: MTX-naive patients with active RA (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints >or= 4) were eligible for the study if they had not previously taken biologic agents and had not taken disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for 2 weeks prior to randomization. Patients were randomly assigned to receive 15 mg/week of MTX either orally (2 7.5-mg tablets plus a dummy prefilled syringe; n=187 patients) or SC (prefilled syringe containing 10 mg/ml plus 2 dummy tablets; n=188 patients) for 24 weeks. At week 16, patients who did not meet the American College of Rheumatology criteria for 20% improvement (ACR20) were switched from 15 mg of oral MTX to 15 mg of SC MTX and from 15 mg of SC MTX to 20 mg of SC MTX for the remaining 8 weeks, still in a blinded manner. The primary outcome was an ACR20 response at 24 weeks. RESULTS: At week 24, significantly more patients treated with SC MTX than with oral MTX showed ACR20 (78% versus 70%) and ACR70 (41% versus 33%) responses. Patients with a disease duration >or= 12 months had even higher ACR20 response rates (89% for SC administration and 63% for oral). In 52 of the ACR20 nonresponders (14%), treatment was switched at week 16. Changing from oral to SC MTX and from 15 mg to 20 mg of SC MTX resulted in 30% and 23% ACR20 response rates, respectively, in these patients. MTX was well tolerated. The rate of adverse events was similar in all groups. CONCLUSION: This 6-month prospective, randomized, controlled trial is the first to examine oral versus SC administration of MTX. We found that SC administration was significantly more effective than oral administration of the same MTX dosage. There was no difference in tolerability.     

Adalimumab,a fully human anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha monoclonal antibody,for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in patients taking concomitant methotrexate: the ARMADA trial

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab (D2E7), a fully human monoclonal tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody, in combination with methotrexate (MTX) in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite treatment with MTX. METHODS: In a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 271 patients with active RA were randomly assigned to receive injections of adalimumab (20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg subcutaneously) or placebo every other week while continuing to take their long-term stable dosage of MTX. The primary efficacy end point was the American College of Rheumatology criteria for 20% improvement (ACR20) at 24 weeks. RESULTS: An ACR20 response at week 24 was achieved by a significantly greater proportion of patients in the 20-mg, 40-mg, and 80-mg adalimumab plus MTX groups (47.8%, 67.2%, and 65.8%, respectively) than in the placebo plus MTX group (14.5%) (P < 0.001). ACR50 response rates with the 20-mg, 40-mg, and 80-mg adalimumab dosages (31.9%, 55.2%, and 42.5%, respectively) were significantly greater than that with placebo (8.1%) (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, and P < 0.001, respectively). The 40-mg and 80-mg doses of adalimumab were associated with an ACR70 response (26.9% and 19.2%, respectively) that was statistically significantly greater than that with placebo (4.8%) (P < 0.001 and P = 0.020). Responses were rapid, with the greatest proportion of adalimumab-treated patients achieving an ACR20 response at the first scheduled visit (week 1). Adalimumab was safe and well tolerated; comparable numbers of adalimumab-treated patients and placebo-treated patients reported adverse events. CONCLUSION: The addition of adalimumab at a dosage of 20 mg, 40 mg, or 80 mg administered subcutaneously every other week to long-term MTX therapy in patients with active RA provided significant, rapid, and sustained improvement in disease activity over 24 weeks compared with MTX plus placebo.     

Prospective study of methotrexate treatment for rheumatoid arthritis treated legitimately according to the government recommended 8 mg/week dose

Abstract

Clinical squeal of the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients with methotrexate (MTX) according to the Japanese government recommended dose of 8 mg/week was evaluated prospectively. A total of 176 patients with active RA attending Konan Kakogawa Hospital and Kobe University Hospital were enrolled. Patients’ profile at the start of study was Class 2.0 ± 1.1 and X-ray stage 2.6 ± 1.0. The effects of MTX treatment were evaluated by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) core set, disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS28), and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria. A modified Sharp method was used to evaluate the radiographs. The improvement in the clinical signs and symptoms of the ACR core set was maintained for a 24-month period (p < 0.05). The ACR20/50/70 and DAS28 were also improved at the 12- and 24-month assessments. However, 82 of 130 patients (63.5%) were found to be nonresponders at 24 months of MTX therapy, as evaluated by EULAR response criteria. The X-ray study showed that joint destruction progressed despite the treatment. Thus, long-term MTX treatment performed in accordance with the Japanese 8 mg/week regimen appears to be favorable in terms of the signs and symptoms of RA; however, it is clearly insufficient for and cannot halt the progression of rheumatic joint destruction.     

Evidence of radiographic benefit of treatment with infliximab plus methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis patients who had no clinical improvement: a detailed subanalysis of data from the anti-tumor necrosis factor trial in rheumatoid arthritis with concomitant therapy study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between inflammation and joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have not responded clinically to treatment. METHODS: Changes from baseline to week 54 in clinical variables and measures of radiographic progression were compared between patients who received infliximab (3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg every 4 or 8 weeks) plus methotrexate (MTX) and those who received MTX plus placebo in the Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Trial in RA with Concomitant Therapy trial. RESULTS: At week 54, patients who did not show 20% improvement by American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20 nonresponders) while receiving infliximab plus MTX exhibited mild but statistically significant improvement in clinical variables, including the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) (P < 0.001), tender joint count (P = 0.014), swollen joint count (P < 0.001), and C-reactive protein (CRP) level (P < 0.001). Whereas the clinical and CRP changes among ACR20 nonresponders to infliximab plus MTX were small and much lower than among ACR20 responders to this treatment, radiographic progression among ACR20 nonresponders to infliximab plus MTX was significantly inhibited (P < 0.001) compared with ACR20 nonresponders to MTX plus placebo. Radiographic progression was much greater in patients receiving MTX plus placebo than in patients receiving infliximab plus MTX, irrespective of ACR response status (mean change in modified Sharp/van der Heijde score 6.0 in ACR20 responders and 7.2 in ACR20 nonresponders in the MTX plus placebo-treated group, versus 0.1 in ACR20 responders and 1.2 in ACR20 nonresponders in the infliximab plus MTX-treated group). Furthermore, among patients who were ACR20 nonresponders through week 54, patients who were DAS nonresponders at weeks 30 and 54, and patients without any improvement in individual clinical variables, those receiving infliximab plus MTX still demonstrated inhibition of structural damage that was statistically significant compared with inhibition in patients who received MTX plus placebo (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Even in patients without clinical improvement, treatment with infliximab plus MTX provided significant benefit with regard to the destructive process, suggesting that in such patients these 2 measures of disease are dissociated.