Long-term effects of combined B-cell immunomodulation with rituximab and belimumab in severe, refractory systemic lupus erythematosus: 2-year results. Issue 8 (27th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kraaij, Tineke; Arends, Eline J; van Dam, Laura S; Kamerling, Sylvia W A; van Daele, Paul L A; Bredewold, Obbo W; Ray, Argho; Bakker, Jaap A; Scherer, Hans U; Huizinga, Tom J W; Rabelink, Ton J; van Kooten, Cees; Teng, Y K Onno
• Is Part Of: Nephrology dialysis transplantation. Volume 36:Issue 8(2021)
• Page Start: 1474
• Page End: 1483
• Publication Date: 2020-06-27
• Subjects: autoantibodies -- autoimmune glomerulonephritis -- immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative -- lupus nephritis -- rituximab/belimumab -- systemic lupus erythematosus; Nephrology -- Periodicals; Hemodialysis -- Periodicals; Kidneys -- Transplantation -- Periodicals; Hemodialysis; Kidneys -- Transplantation; Nephrology; Periodicals; 616.61
• DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfaa117
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0931-0509

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Anti-CD20 B-cell depletion has not shown superior efficacy to standard immunosuppression in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Besides trial design, potential explanations are incomplete B-cell depletion in relation to substantial surges in B-cell-activating factor (BAFF). To improve B-cell targeting strategies, we conducted the first study in SLE patients aimed at investigating immunological effects and feasibility of combining rituximab (RTX; anti-CD20) and belimumab (BLM; anti-BAFF). Methods: Reported is the long-term follow-up of a Phase 2 proof-of-concept study in 15 patients with SLE including 12 (80%) with lupus nephritis (LN). Results: In 10/15 (67%) patients, a clinical response was observed by achievement of lupus low disease activity state, of which 8 (53%) continued treatment (BLM + ≤7.5 mg prednisolone) for the complete 2 years of follow-up. Five patients (33%) were referred to as 'non-responders' due to persistent LN, major flare or repetitive minor flares. Out of 12 LN patients, 9 (75%) showed a renal response including 8 (67%) complete renal responders. All anti-dsDNA + patients converted to negative, and both anti-C1q and extractable nuclear antigen autoantibodies showed significant reductions. CD19 + B cells showed a median decrease from baseline of 97% at 24 weeks, with a persistent reduction of 84% up to 104 weeks. When comparing responders with non-responders, CD20 + B cells were depleted significantly less in non-responders and double-negative (DN) B cells repopulated significantly earlier. Conclusions: Combined B-cell targeted therapy with RTX and BLM prevented full B-cell repopulation including DN B cells, with concomitant specific reduction of SLE-relevant autoantibodies. The observed immunological and clinical benefits in a therapy-refractory SLE population prompt further studies on RTX + BLM.