Efficacy and safety of tocilizumab in treatment of Takayasu arteritis: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and clinical trial registries were searched from inception to July 2018. We included RCT assessing the efficacy and safety of TCZ versus placebo/other comparators for the treatment of patients with TAK. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using Cochrane RoB tool.
Results: 2799 identified articles were screened as per abstract and title; 42 selected full-texts articles were assessed for the potential inclusion. One trial, reported in two publications, comparing subcutaneous TCZ (162 mg/week) versus matching placebo in 36 patients with TAK was included. The relapse-free rate at 24 weeks was 50.6% and 22.9% in TCZ and placebo arm, respectively. The hazard ratio (HR) for time to first relapse was statistically significant in the per-protocol population (HR 0.34 [95.41% CI, 0.11-1.00]; p = .0345), while non-significant in the intention-to-treat population (HR 0.41 [95.41% CI, 0.15-1.10]; p = .0596). The serious adverse events were higher in the placebo arm.
Conclusions: This systematic review finds the existing evidence from RCT on efficacy and safety profile of TCZ in TAK to be promising but limited. Additional evidence is required to draw a stronger conclusion.
History
Publication title
Modern RheumatologyVolume
31Pagination
197-204ISSN
1439-7595Department/School
Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchPublisher
Taylor & FrancisPlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
Copyright 2020 Japan College of Rheumatology. This is a post-peer-review, pre-copyedit version of an article published in Modern Rheumatology. The final authenticated version is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14397595.2020.1724671Repository Status
- Restricted