Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Treats Severe and Refractory SLE

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Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Treats Severe and Refractory SLE

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Dec 31 - Immune ablation and autologous

hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a safe and effective

option for patients with severe organ-threatening systemic lupus

erythematosus (SLE) that is unresponsive to conventional aggressive

treatment.

That's according to an analysis of 15 such patents followed for a median of

36 months by Dr. Ann E. Traynor and colleagues of Northwestern Memorial

Hospital in Chicago.

The treatment strategy involved peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and

procurement, and lymphocyte depletion from the graft. The conditioning

regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide, antithymocyte globulin, and

methylprednisolone.

In the November issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, the investigators report

that during follow-up all patients have seen a " gradual, but marked,

improvement " and most have discontinued all immunosuppressive medication.

The SLE Disease Activity Index score has declined from a baseline score of

13 to a score of 5 or less in 12 patients. Moreover, the team reports that

" complement and anti-double-stranded DNA levels have normalized and marked

improvements in end organ function have occurred in all subjects. "

Based on these results, Dr. Traynor's team says " a phase III randomized

trial is warranted to determine the relative efficacy and durability of

remission of HSCT compared with standard therapies. "

Arthritis Rheum 2002;46:2917-2923.

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This is incredibly good news, a - and right in my own backyard!

[ ] Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Treats

Severe and Refractory SLE

> Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Treats Severe and Refractory

SLE

>

> NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Dec 31 - Immune ablation and autologous

> hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a safe and effective

> option for patients with severe organ-threatening systemic lupus

> erythematosus (SLE) that is unresponsive to conventional aggressive

> treatment.

>

> That's according to an analysis of 15 such patents followed for a

median of

> 36 months by Dr. Ann E. Traynor and colleagues of Northwestern

Memorial

> Hospital in Chicago.

>

> The treatment strategy involved peripheral blood stem cell

mobilization and

> procurement, and lymphocyte depletion from the graft. The conditioning

> regimen consisted of cyclophosphamide, antithymocyte globulin, and

> methylprednisolone.

>

> In the November issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, the investigators

report

> that during follow-up all patients have seen a " gradual, but marked,

> improvement " and most have discontinued all immunosuppressive

medication.

>

> The SLE Disease Activity Index score has declined from a baseline

score of

> 13 to a score of 5 or less in 12 patients. Moreover, the team reports

that

> " complement and anti-double-stranded DNA levels have normalized and

marked

> improvements in end organ function have occurred in all subjects. "

>

> Based on these results, Dr. Traynor's team says " a phase III

randomized

> trial is warranted to determine the relative efficacy and durability

of

> remission of HSCT compared with standard therapies. "

>

> Arthritis Rheum 2002;46:2917-2923.