Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec™) in the treatment of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: results of a 24-month open label, extension phase, single-centre trial

Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2014 Nov-Dec;32(6 Suppl 86):S-189-93. Epub 2014 Aug 15.

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of imatinib in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).

Methods: In this open-label, single-arm, extension-phase clinical trial, patients continued imatinib for 24 months following 12 months of initial treatment.

Results: Seventeen patients were enrolled. Forty of 92 adverse events (AE) and 0/6 serious (S) AEs were possibly related to medication. The MRSS decreased from a median of 21 to 16, (p=0.002).

Conclusions: This study demonstrates long-term safety and tolerability of imatinib in a substantial proportion of patients with dcSSc. This is important in evaluating the relevance of this therapy in a chronic disease such as SSc.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase II
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Benzamides / therapeutic use*
  • Calcium Channel Blockers / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Hydroxychloroquine / therapeutic use
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / drug therapy*
  • Lung Diseases, Interstitial / etiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Prednisone / therapeutic use
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Respiratory Function Tests
  • Scleroderma, Diffuse / complications
  • Scleroderma, Diffuse / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Calcium Channel Blockers
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Piperazines
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Proton Pump Inhibitors
  • Pyrimidines
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Prednisone