The purpose of this study is to look at whether bortezomib, mycophenolate or the combination of both is better to treat scarring of the lung caused by Systemic Sclerosis.
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic multisystem autoimmune connective tissue disease for which the etiology remains unknown. The prevalence for SSc is between 19-75 cases per 100,000 and it is more frequent in women, with a peak occurrence in the 4th or 5th decade of life. Morbidity and Mortality in SSc are substantial and pulmonary complications are now the leading cause of death among patients with SSc. Bortezomib is an FDA approved therapy for the treatment of multiple myeloma and other malignancies. The investigators have data that bortezomib inhibits transforming growth factor (TGF) - signaling in vitro and promotes normal repair and prevents against lung fibrosis in the TGF-mediated intratracheal bleomycin mouse model as well as in a mouse model for skin fibrosis. This is consistent with other data in the literature that proteasomal inhibition can prevent the development of fibrosis. Further there are multiple reports on the efficacy of bortezomib in ameliorating chronic graft-versus-host disease in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma. Bortezomib was also well tolerated in the large clinical trials of multiple myeloma patients with neuropathy and thrombocytopenia the primary adverse events. No pulmonary toxicities were reported in these studies. Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept or Myfortic) belongs to a class of medications known as immunosuppressives. This medication was used originally in the management of patients with organ transplants, but is now recommended in the treatment of some autoimmune diseases such as SSc. Mycophenolate mofetil targets an enzyme in the body called inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase that is important for the formation of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in cells. By interfering with DNA, the medication impairs function of immune system cells that become overactive in autoimmune diseases. Mycophenolate mofetil is currently approved in the treatment of patients with SSc. This study is being conducted to establish the safety and tolerability of bortezomib in SSc patients at high risk for pulmonary disease progression. In addition, the study will examine the effect of bortezomib on the rate of forced vital capacity (FVC) decline (a physiologic parameter closely associated with disease outcome) and other clinical parameters. In addition the investigators will also measure the effect of bortezomib on biomarkers associated with fibroblast activation. If successful, the study will provide the rationale for a multi-center placebo controlled trial to test the efficacy of bortezomib in SSc patients at high risk for progressive pulmonary disease.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
9
Bortezomib 1.3 mg/m² subcutaneously (or IV push if unable to tolerate subcutaneous injection) once per week for the first two weeks per month for 24 weeks
Placebo (normal saline) 1.3 mg/m² subcutaneously (or IV push if unable to tolerate subcutaneous injection) once per week for the first two weeks per month for 24 weeks
Mycophenolate mofetil 1.5 g twice a day orally for 24 weeks
Northwestern University
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Number of Participants With Serious Adverse Events
To assess the safety and tolerability of bortezomib with mycophenolate mofetil assessed by the incidence of serious adverse events.
Time frame: First dosing day to last study visit day: Mean duration 8 months.
Change of Skin Fibrosis Measured by the Rodnan Skin Score Between Baseline and 24 Weeks
The Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) is a measure of skin thickness that sums individual scores of skin thickness (0 - No Thickening, 1 - Mild Thickening, 2 - Moderate Thickening, 3 - Severe Thickening) measured at 17 body sites to reach a total score (Range: 0 to 51, higher value representing thicker skin). The Score is used as a surrogate for disease activity and severity, and a worsening score over time is associated with worse outcomes.
Time frame: 24 weeks
Change of Lung Function Measured by Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) Between Baseline and 24 Weeks
Forced vital capacity, or FVC, is the amount in liters of air that can be forcibly exhaled from the lungs after taking the deepest breath possible. It measures the effect that lung disease has on a person's ability to inhale and exhale. Higher values are better, and decreases over time can indicate disease progression.
Time frame: 24 weeks
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