In vitro studies have shown that imatinib 1mM inhibits strongly the growth of cutaneous fibroblasts. The hypothesis is that imatinib inhibits PDGFR which is known to be a potential target for the molecule, as recently also proposed after the discovery of autoantibodies activating the PDGF receptors. Recent data indicate that TGFb is also a potential target of imatinib. Cutaneous scleroderma is characterized by progressive cutaneous fibrosis caused by hyperactive dermal fibroblasts. Since no established treatment for skin sclerosis in scleroderma is currently available. This study will test the safety and efficacy of imatinib in the treatment of patients with scleroderma and severe cutaneous involvement.
This study will test the efficacy and tolerance of patients with a high score of induration (modified Rodnan score \> 20/54) Comparison : 34 patients with severe forms of cutaneous involvement will be evaluated in a double blind RCT comparing imatinib 400mg/j and placebo in a 6 month period. Efficacy will be assessed using a cutaneous induration scale and skin biopsy, and quality of life questionnaires.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
28
6 month treatment with 400mg/day (per os)
Service de Dermatologie et services de médecine interne et vasculaire - Hôpital St André - CHU de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France
Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpital Pellegrin-Tondu CHU de Bordeaux
Bordeaux, France
Service de Dermatologie - CHG Libourne
Libourne, France
Service de dermatologie - CHU de Limoges
Limoges, France
Service de Médecin interne - Hôpital central
Nancy, France
Service de Médecine interne - Hôpital Saint Louis
Paris, France
Service de Dermatologie - service de médecine interne et vasculaire - hopital haut Lévêque - av.de magellan
Pessac, France
Service de Dermatologie - CHG Périgueux
Périgueux, France
Service de Rhumatologie - CHU de Strasbourg
Strasbourg, France
Service de Dermatologie - CHU de Toulouse - Hopital Purpan
Toulouse, France
...and 2 more locations
Compare the efficacy of imatinib mesylate vs placebo based on the percent variation of modified Rodnan score (0-51) between inclusion and 6-month visits.
Time frame: 6 month
Compare efficacy of imatinib mesylate vs placebo based on the percent variation of modified Rodnan score between the inclusion and the various time points of follow-up.
Time frame: 1, 3 and 12 month
Assess skin thickness at inclusion and at 6 months using skin biopsies
Time frame: 6 month
Assessment of quality of life using DLQI (Dermatology Quality of Life Index) and HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire).
Time frame: At 1, 3, 6 month and 1 year,
Assess tolerance of treatment (clinical and laboratory monitoring of side effects)
Time frame: All along the trial
Assess effects of treatment on non cutaneous symptoms in systemic sclerosis patients
Time frame: All along the trial
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