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Comparing the Efficacy of Periarticular Bone Structure in Patients Treated With Either Tocilizumab or Tumor Necrosis Factor Blockers

Completed
Conditions
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Interventions
Drug: TNF-alpha Inhibitor
Registration Number
NCT02778789
Lead Sponsor
University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School
Brief Summary

Comparing the structural effects of TNFi and tocilizumab on the periarticular bone by performing a comprehensive analysis of the periarticular bone changes in RA patients treated with either TNFi or tocilizumab in a longitudinal Setting, using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT), a very sensitive method for visualizing and quantifying bone microstructure in RA patients. Quantitatively assessing the changes of erosions volume, osteophytes size and the area of cortical fenestration in a group of TNFi-treated and a group of tocilizumab- treated RA patients.

Detailed Description

Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and of interleukin- 6 receptor (IL-6R) emerged as highly effective cytokine blocking strategies in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the last years. Both, inhibition of TNF-α (TNFi) and of the interleukin-6 receptor by tocilizumab ameliorate the signs and symptoms, reverse the elevated acute phase response and inhibit the progression of bone erosion in RA patients (1). Despite striking similarities with respect to their efficacy and safety in the treatment of RA, TNFi and tocilizumab are two entirely distinct approaches for targeting chronic inflammatory diseases in humans. This concept is highlighted by the differential response to TNFi and tocilizumab in other chronic inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and spondyloarthritis, with clinical efficacy of the former but not the latter treatment modality (2). On the other hand, tocilizumab has a direct effect on the acute phase response and iron metabolism, which is not found with TNFi. Therefore, subtle differences may exist between TNFi and tocilizumab, which are relevant for the long-term treatment of RA patients.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
66
Inclusion Criteria
  • Females and males with RA erosions in the wrist and/or MCP joints
  • Must be aged ≥ 18 years at time of consent
  • Stable treatment with conventional DMARDs of at least 3 months
Exclusion Criteria
  • Patients exposed to abatacept or rituximab in the last 12 months
  • Patients receiving glucocorticoids over 5 mg prednisolone per day
  • Patients who are younger than 18 years
  • Pregnant or lactating females
  • Patients having received an HR-pQCT examination during the last 6 months before screening

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
TocilizumabTNF-alpha InhibitorDrug administration of Tocilizumab s.c. or i.v. depending on the preference of the patient and/or physician according to the label
TNF-alpha InhibitorTNF-alpha InhibitorDrug administration s.c. or i.v. of the TNF-Alpha Inhibitor depending on the preference of the patient and/or physician according to the label
TNF-alpha InhibitorTocilizumabDrug administration s.c. or i.v. of the TNF-Alpha Inhibitor depending on the preference of the patient and/or physician according to the label
TocilizumabTocilizumabDrug administration of Tocilizumab s.c. or i.v. depending on the preference of the patient and/or physician according to the label
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in erosion volume in the HR-pQCT12 months
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of patients in Low Disease Activity (DAS28 ≥ 2.6 und ≤ 3.2)12 months
Change in the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)12 months
Change in the Disease activity score 28 (DAS28)12months
Change in the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)12 months
Number of patients in Remission (DAS28 < 2.6)12 months
Changes in the Simple Disease Activity Index (SDAI)12 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Medical Department 3, Rheumatology & Immunology

🇩🇪

Erlangen, Germany

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