Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue Score Research Articles

Parsaclisib for the treatment of primary autoimmune hemolytic anemia: Results from a phase 2, open-label study.

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a group of acquired autoimmune disorders characterized by red blood cell hemolysis. In a phase 2, open-label, multicenter study, adults with warm AIHA, cold agglutinin disease, or mixed-type AIHA were administered once-daily 1.0 or 2.5 mg parsaclisib (selective phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ inhibitor) orally for 12 weeks, followed by an extension period. Dose increases (for AIHA worsening) or decreases (for tolerability) were permitted. Primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with complete (≥12 g/dL hemoglobin [Hgb]) or partial (10-12 g/dL Hgb or ≥2 g/dL increase from baseline) response at any visit during weeks 6-12 not attributable to transfusion. Among 25 enrolled patients (median age, 63 y), 16 (64%) achieved a partial or complete Hgb response during weeks 6-12. Responses were observed by week 1 in 52.0% of patients with incremental improvements during weeks 6-12 and sustained responses during the extension period. Responses were higher among patients with warm AIHA versus other types (75.0% vs. 44.4%). Clinically meaningful improvements in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scores were observed at weeks 6 and 12. All patients had treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), most commonly diarrhea (32.0%) and pyrexia (28.0%). Grade ≥3 TEAEs occurred in 13 patients (52.0%). TEAEs considered possibly related to treatment occurred in 11 patients (44.0%). No dose reductions were required; six patients (24%) discontinued for a TEAE. In summary, parsaclisib was well tolerated and resulted in substantial improvements in Hgb response at week 1, with durable responses through the extension period. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03538041).

Prevalence and Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Manifestations in an Australian Scleroderma Cohort.

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the most commonly affected internal organ in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We sought to determine the prevalence and impact of GIT symptoms on survival and patient-reported outcomes. A total of 907 consecutive patients from the Australian Scleroderma Cohort Study who had prospectively completed the University of California, Los Angeles, Scleroderma Clinical Trials Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract 2.0 Questionnaire (UCLA GIT) between 2015 and 2021 were included. The associations between UCLA GIT scores and physical function (Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire), quality of life (QoL; Short Form 36), mood (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] anxiety and depression domains), fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score), and employment were investigated using multivariable population-averaged panel models using generalized estimating equations (GEEs). Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to evaluate survival according to total UCLA GIT scores. GIT symptoms were reported in 87% of participants, with 46% to 52% reporting moderate to very severe symptoms of reflux, distension, diarrhea, and constipation. Higher total UCLA GIT scores were associated with worse QoL, physical function, fatigue, anxiety, and depression (P < 0.001). In the multivariable GEE analysis, moderate and severe to very severe total scores, reflux scores, and distension scores were associated with worse physical function, QoL, fatigue, anxiety, and depression compared to mild scores (P < 0.05). Patients with severe total scores and diarrhea scores were more likely to be unemployed compared to those with mild scores (P < 0.05). UCLA GIT total scores were not independently associated with death in our cohort. GIT manifestations are common in SSc and negatively impact QoL, physical function, and employment but are not directly associated with increased death.

Efficacy and safety of guselkumab in patients with active psoriatic arthritis who had inadequate efficacy and/or intolerance to one prior tumor necrosis factor inhibitor: study protocol for SOLSTICE, a phase 3B, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

BackgroundTumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) are frequently chosen as the first biologic for patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Given that many patients with PsA are TNFi inadequate responders (TNF-IR; either inadequate efficacy or intolerance), treatments utilizing alternative mechanisms of action are needed. In phase 3 studies, the fully human interleukin (IL)-23p19 subunit-inhibitor, guselkumab, was efficacious in patients with active PsA, including TNFi-IR. Efficacy was generally consistent between TNFi-naïve and TNFi-experienced cohorts; however, in the latter, higher response rates have been observed with the Q4W dosing regimen relative to the Q8W dosing regimen for some endpoints, suggesting the need to evaluate whether more frequent dosing may provide an incremental clinical benefit for TNFi-IR patients.MethodsThe phase 3b SOLSTICE study will assess guselkumab efficacy and safety in TNFi-IR PsA patients. Eligibility criteria include a PsA diagnosis for ≥ 6 months; active disease (≥ 3 swollen, ≥ 3 tender joints, C-reactive protein ≥ 0.3 mg/dL); and inadequate efficacy with, and/or intolerance to, one prior TNFi. Participants will be randomized 1:1:1 to guselkumab Q4W or Q8W or placebo→guselkumab Q4W (at Week 24). The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients achieving ≥ 20% improvement in the American College of Rheumatology criteria (ACR20) at Week 24. Major secondary endpoints include ACR50, ACR70; an Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) of psoriasis score of 0/1 plus ≥ 2-grade reduction and ≥ 90% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (both among patients with ≥ 3% body surface area affected by psoriasis and baseline IGA ≥ 2); minimal/very low disease activity; and changes from baseline in Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey Physical Component Summary, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scores. The target sample size (N = 450) is estimated to provide > 90% power in detecting differences between each guselkumab group and the placebo group for the primary endpoint assuming a 2-sided α = 0.05. Cochran-Mantel–Haenszel testing and analyses of covariance will be used to compare efficacy for binary and continuous endpoints, respectively.DiscussionFindings from the phase 3b SOLSTICE study, the design of which was informed by results from previously conducted phase 3 studies, is expected to provide important efficacy and safety information on guselkumab therapy in TNFi-IR patients with PsA.Trial registrationThis trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04936308, on 23 June 2021.

Efficacy and safety of tofacitinib for chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

To summarize and analyze the results of published randomized controlled trials of tofacitinib for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis(PsA) and discuss its efficacy and safety. An exhaustive systematic search encompassing PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted up to July 2023. Studies eligible for inclusion were analyzed, organized using Review Manager version 5.4.1 (Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, UK) and STATA 15.0 version (Stata Corp, College Station, TX, USA) software. A total of six articles, covering 1393 patients (844 treated with tofacitinib and 549 with placebo), were included. The foundational characteristics of tofacitinib and placebo group showed similarity, except for age and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score, especially in the context of chronic plaque psoriasis. It is noteworthy that we discovered tofacitinib exhibited a significant impact on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index 75 (PASI75) response, Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) response, and adverse events (AEs) in cases of chronic plaque psoriasis. Similarly, tofacitinib demonstrated substantial influence on American College of Rheumatology 20/50 (ACR20/50) response, PASI75 response, as well as alterations in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) Score, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI) Score, Dactylitis Severity Score (DSS), and Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI) Score in the context of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Nevertheless, there was no statistically significant impact of tofacitinib on serious adverse events (SAEs) in chronic plaque psoriasis, as well as on both adverse events (AEs) and SAEs in psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A comprehensive analysis revealed that tofacitinib has a positive effect on addressing skin and joint symptoms, as well as improving the quality of life for patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). However, the safety of the drug's long-term usage even requires further validation. Key Points • In 6 analyses involving a total of 1393 patients, tofacitinib exhibits positive effect on the treatment of both chronic plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). • Although dose-based subgroup analyses have demonstrated effectiveness. Some studies indicate that the 5-mg dose (twice daily) may not show an effect due to the failure of non-inferiority trials comparing tofacitinib with placebo. Therefore, caution is required when interpreting its effectiveness. On the other hand, the 10-mg dose (BID) has been associated with an increase in adverse events and serious adverse events,and is recommended to be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular or uveitis risk factors. • Tofacitinib has efficacy in comorbid psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety, or Alzheimer's disease) and inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis), but patients with comorbid renal insufficiency, hepatic dysfunction, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, or uveitis may need to be moderated or avoided with tofacitinib.

Efficacy and Safety of Risankizumab in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Currently, the cause of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is unknown, and the effectiveness of current drug treatments is unsatisfactory. In March 2019, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved risankizumab, a humanized immunoglobulinG1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody targeting the p19 subunit of interleukin (IL)-23, for the treatment of PsA in adults. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of risankizumab in moderate-to-severe PsA. We conducted a thorough search of relevant databases from the establishment of the databases to October 1, 2023. We conducted a meta-analysis using Stata 12.0 and utilized I2 and Egger tests to assess heterogeneity and publication bias among the studies. Bias assessment was performed using the risk bias map and bias risk summary diagram generated by Revman5.4 software. The review protocols were registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023451894) and adhered to the preferred reporting item of system evaluation (PRISMA) guideline. Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 5038 patients with PsA treated with either risankizumab or placebo were included in the analysis. At 24weeks, the risankizumab group demonstrated a significantly higher American College of Rheumatology-20 (ACR20) response rate compared to the placebo group (RR1.760, 95%CI 1.568-1.977, P < 0.001). Additionally, the risankizumab group showed a significantly higher Minimal Disease Activity (MDA) response rate compared to the placebo group (RR1.827, 95%CI 1.048-3.184, P < 0.05). The risankizumab group also exhibited improvement in Short Form 36 Questionnaire (SF-36) score (SMD 0.51, 95%CI 0.33-0.69, P < 0.001), with significantly lower Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score (SMD - 0.27, 95%CI - 0.37 to - 0.17, P < 0.001) and higher Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) score (SMD 0.27, 95%CI 0.20-0.35, P < 0.001) compared to the placebo group. Moreover, the risankizumab group had a significantly lower Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score (SMD - 6.12, 95%CI - 10.02 to 2.23, P < 0.001). A study by Mease et al. indicated that patients receiving risankizumab generally demonstrated numerical improvements in the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI), although the small sample size limits the evidence. Further research is necessary to provide evidence-based guidelines. There were no significant differences in the incidence of serious adverse events (SAE) and serious treatment-emergent adverse events (STEAE) between the risankizumab and placebo groups (RR0.76, 95%CI 0.45-1.28, P = 0.31; RR0.99, 95%CI 0.49-1.99, P = 0.97, respectively), and the overall incidence of adverse events (AE) was not comparable (RR1.10, 95%CI 0.63-1.94, P = 0.73). Risankizumab showed superior efficacy across multiple outcome measures compared to placebo, with no significant increase in adverse events. Our findings endorse risankizumab as an excellent treatment option for PsA, offering valuable insights for clinicians and patients when choosing appropriate therapeutic interventions. Retrospectively registered (CRD42023451894, 16 August 2023).

Ravulizumab Effectiveness in the Real World: Evidence from the International PNH Registry

Background Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare disease of uncontrolled terminal complement activation on blood cells that can cause intravascular hemolysis (IVH), major adverse vascular events (MAVEs), including thromboembolic events (TEs), and organ damage resulting in early mortality. Complement C5 inhibitors eculizumab (Ecu) and ravulizumab (Rav) are standard-of-care treatments that inhibit terminal complement activity and reduce morbidity and mortality by controlling IVH (reduction of lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]) and preventing TEs. Rav provides the same benefits as Ecu but with substantially longer half-life, improved control of terminal complement, and reduction in breakthrough intravascular hemolysis achieved via weight-based dosing, thus reducing the burden of treatment. Long-term efficacy and safety data are available for up to 20 y from trials and real-world evidence (RWE) with Ecu and up to 6 y from trials in patients (pts) treated with Rav who were naïve to C5 inhibitors or who switched from Ecu to Rav; however, RWE is limited with Rav. The objective of this analysis was to describe pt characteristics at treatment initiation, outcomes, and changes from treatment initiation in laboratory markers of pts switching to Rav from Ecu using data from the prospective, observational International PNH Registry (NCT01374360). Methods The PNH Registry is the largest global real-world database of pts with PNH and provides extensive information on the natural history of PNH, irrespective of PNH treatment status. This analysis included data from pts enrolled in the PNH Registry, with complete information for birth date, sex, enrollment date, and Ecu/Rav treatment status. Pts included in the study switched from &amp;gt;6 mos of Ecu treatment to Rav for &amp;gt;6 mos. Pts were required to have discontinued Ecu within &amp;lt;28 days of Rav initiation. Changes from Rav treatment initiation (baseline) in key laboratory values, including LDH ratio, absolute hemoglobin (Hgb) levels, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) scores were analyzed descriptively. Poisson regression estimate of incidence density was used for MAVEs, TEs, and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates across treatment exposure during registry follow-up. High disease activity (HDA), defined as LDH ≥1.5 X upper limit of normal and ≥1 of the following: history of a MAVE (including TE), anemia (Hgb &amp;lt;10 g/dL), or physician-reported abdominal pain, dyspnea, dysphagia, fatigue, hemoglobinuria and/or erectile dysfunction, was assessed during follow-up visits. Results As of 3 April 2023, 110 pts in the International PNH Registry had switched to Rav for ≥6 mos. The median age at start of Rav treatment was 42.1 y (Q1, Q3: 33.1, 52.2 years), 50% were female, and 70% were non-Asian. Over 24 mos of follow-up time was recorded for &amp;gt;50% of pts from the analysis population. The median time on Ecu was 6.5 y and Rav was 2 y. During Ecu treatment and before Rav initiation, 20/42 (47.6%) pts had ongoing bone marrow disorder (eg, aplastic/hypoplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes). Before Ecu treatment, 24/101 (23.8%) pts had MAVEs (TE, 18/100 [18.0%] pts) and at Rav initiation, 27/109 (24.8%) pts had MAVEs (TE, 21/109 [19.3%] pts). Over time, Rav maintained IVH and disease control, with minimal change across time points for LDH ratios, absolute Hgb levels, and FACIT-Fatigue scores ( Table 1). Rates of clinical events (ie, MAVEs, TEs, and RBC transfusions) decreased over time from untreated time to time on Ecu treatment and were lowest when pts were treated with Rav ( Table 2). There were no reported MAVEs and TEs in pts treated with Rav. At Rav initiation, 6/65 pts still had HDA; only 1/6 had HDA at last follow-up visit while on Rav. No meningococcal infections or deaths were reported during Rav treatment. Four pts had discontinued Rav treatment (physician decision, switched to other anti-complement treatment, lack of efficacy). Conclusions These data from the International PNH Registry, one of the largest global real-world datasets of Rav-treated pts, confirmed that improvements in clinical outcomes observed with Ecu, including control of IVH, Hgb level, RBC transfusion rates, and fatigue, were maintained with Rav. HDA resolved in most pts when switching from Ecu to Rav. Transfusion rates were lowest with Rav treatment. Pts treated with Rav experienced no MAVEs, TE, meningococcal infections, or deaths.

Patient-Reported Outcomes: Danicopan As Add-on Therapy to Ravulizumab or Eculizumab Versus Placebo in Patients with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria and Clinically Significant Extravascular Hemolysis

Background Treatment with complement C5 inhibitors eculizumab (Ecu) and ravulizumab (Rav) inhibits terminal complement activity, improving hemoglobin (Hgb) levels and clinical outcomes for patients (pts) with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), including reduced morbidity and mortality by preventing intravascular hemolysis (IVH), thrombotic events, hospitalizations, and death. In an analysis using data from the International PNH Registry (NCT01374360), Ecu improved pt survival through 20 y of real-world follow-up. Rav demonstrated a 98.4% survival rate up to 6 y in an open-label study (NCT03056040). Approximately 10-20% of pts experienced ongoing anemia caused by clinically significant extravascular hemolysis (cs-EVH). The phase 3, international, randomized, double-blind, placebo (Pbo)-controlled ALPHA (NCT04469465) superiority clinical trial assessed the effectiveness and safety of danicopan (Dan) add-on therapy to Rav or Ecu in pts with PNH and cs-EVH. This current analysis examined patient-reported outcomes (PROs) through wk 24. Methods Pts (≥18 y) with PNH and cs-EVH (Hgb ≤9.5 g/dL; absolute reticulocyte count ≥120×10 9/L) on Rav/Ecu &amp;gt;6 mo were randomized 2:1 to Dan or Pbo add-on therapy to Rav/Ecu for 12 wks (treatment period [TP] 1). At wk 12, Pbo arm pts switched to Dan (Pbo-Dan) and Dan arm pts continued treatment (Dan-Dan) for another 12 wks (TP2). The initial Dan dose of 150 mg TID could be escalated to 200 mg TID based on clinical response at investigator's discretion. Endpoints included change from baseline in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-Fatigue) score to wks 12 and 24 (key secondary) and changes in the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 Scale (EORTC-QLQ-C30) global health status/QoL and physical functioning subscales and fatigue, nausea/vomiting, appetite loss, constipation, and diarrhea symptom subscales, and EuroQoL-5-Dimensions, 3-level version (EQ-5D-3L) to wk 24 (exploratory). Results As of 20 September 2022, 86 pts were randomized; 60 had completed (n=60) TP2 (Dan n=40; Pbo n=20). Baseline characteristics were similar between arms. The study met its primary endpoint of significant improvement in Hgb and all key secondary endpoints, including FACIT-Fatigue at wk 12 (data previously presented). Clinically meaningful (&amp;gt;5 point) and statistically significant increases from baseline in FACIT-Fatigue score were observed for Dan vs Pbo at wk 12 (least square mean difference [SEM] 7.97 [1.13] vs 1.85 [1.58]; P=0.0021). At wk 24 ( Fig 1), outcomes were maintained in the Dan-Dan arm (40.32) and improved in Pbo-Dan arm (40.55) to levels similar to the general public score of 43.6. Significant improvements from baseline with Dan vs Pbo were demonstrated for EORTC-QLQ-C30 scores (physical function and social function within functional subscales, and fatigue within symptom subscales) at wk 12, maintained at wk 24 for the Dan-Dan arm, and demonstrated at wk 24 in Pbo-Dan arm ( Fig 2). Trends in changes from baseline in other EORTC-QLQ-C30 function subscale scores paralleled that of the physical function subscale. EQ-5D-3L scores (US Health State Index) were similar between arms at baseline (Dan, 0.83; Pbo, 0.80), wk 12 (Dan, 0.90; Pbo, 0.86), and wk 24 (Dan-Dan, 0.90; Pbo-Dan, 0.87); scores at all timepoints are comparable to the general public (0.855-0.958). Dan demonstrated favorable benefit-risk profile with no deaths, meningococcal infections, or discontinuations due to hemolysis; additional safety analyses including adverse events were previously presented. No new safety signals were demonstrated. Conclusions These data suggest that Dan plus Rav or Ecu improves QoL compared to Rav or Ecu alone for pts with PNH and cs-EVH. In this phase 3, randomized, controlled superiority trial, improvements in clinically relevant PROs were observed in the Dan vs Pbo arm in the first double-blind 12 wks of treatment, and FACIT-Fatigue and EORTC-QLQ-C30 scores were maintained during the open-label period to wk 24 in the Dan-Dan arm and improved at wk 24 in Pbo-Dan arm to levels similar to those of the general public. Comparable EQ-5D-3L scores were maintained between arms across the study.

Anti-GM-CSF otilimab versus sarilumab or placebo in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and inadequate response to targeted therapies: a phase III randomised trial (contRAst 3)

ObjectivesTo investigate the efficacy and safety of otilimab, an anti-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor antibody, in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis and an inadequate response to conventional synthetic (cs) and biologic disease-modifying...

Randomized Controlled Trial of Cognitive-Behavioral and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on the Quality of Life of Patients With Crohn Disease.

Patients with Crohn disease have debilitating psychological symptoms, mental fatigue, and poor quality of life. Psychological intervention may improve these symptoms. We performed a randomized parallel-group physician-blinded trial of cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based stress reduction (COBMINDEX) on quality of life and psychological symptoms in adults with mild-moderate Crohn disease. COBMINDEX was taught by social workers in one-on-one video conferences over 3 months; quotidian home practice was mandated. Fifty-five COBMINDEX and 61 waitlist control patients completed the study; mean age was 33 years and 65% of participants were women. At 3 months, COBMINDEX patients had significantly reduced disease activity (per Harvey-Bradshaw Index score, C-reactive protein level, and calprotectin level), increased quality of life (Short Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire [SIBDQ] score increased from baseline 41 to 50; P < 0.001), decreased psychological symptoms (Global Severity Index [GSI], 0.98-0.70; P < 0.001), reduced fatigue (Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, 26-33; P < 0.001), and increased mindfulness disposition (Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, 33-38; P < 0.001). Waitlist patients had a significant but small change in Harvey-Bradshaw Index, SIBDQ, and GSI scores, without improvement in fatigue or mindfulness. There were significant correlations (0.02 > P < 0.002) in COBMINDEX patients between baseline SIBDQ, GSI, Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scores with a relative change (baseline to 3 months) of the SIBDQ score, but none among waitlist patients. Predictors of relative change of the SIBDQ score in COBMINDEX patients included the GSI score (90% quantile; coefficient 0.52; P < 0.001), somatization (90%; 0.20; P = 0.001), depression (75%; 0.16; P = 0.03), and phobic anxiety (75%; 0.31; P = 0.008). COBMINDEX was effective in increasing patients' quality of life and reducing psychological symptoms and fatigue. Patients with severe baseline psychological symptoms benefited the most from COBMINDEX.

Pegcetacoplan versus Eculizumab in Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria

BackgroundParoxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare, acquired disease characterized by chronic complement-mediated hemolysis. C5 inhibition controls intravascular hemolysis in untreated PNH but cannot address extravascular hemolysis. Pegcetacoplan, a pegylated peptide targeting proximal complement protein C3, potentially inhibits both intravascular and extravascular hemolysis.MethodsWe conducted a phase 3 open-label, controlled trial to assess the efficacy and safety of pegcetacoplan as compared with eculizumab in adults with PNH and hemoglobin levels lower than 10.5 g per deciliter despite eculizumab therapy. After a 4-week run-in phase in which all patients received pegcetacoplan plus eculizumab, we randomly assigned patients to subcutaneous pegcetacoplan monotherapy (41 patients) or intravenous eculizumab (39 patients). The primary end point was the mean change in hemoglobin level from baseline to week 16. Additional clinical and hematologic markers of hemolysis and safety were assessed.ResultsPegcetacoplan was superior to eculizumab with respect to the change in hemoglobin level from baseline to week 16, with an adjusted (least squares) mean difference of 3.84 g per deciliter (P<0.001). A total of 35 patients (85%) receiving pegcetacoplan as compared with 6 patients (15%) receiving eculizumab no longer required transfusions. Noninferiority of pegcetacoplan to eculizumab was shown for the change in absolute reticulocyte count but not for the change in lactate dehydrogenase level. Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue scores improved from baseline in the pegcetacoplan group. The most common adverse events that occurred during treatment in the pegcetacoplan and eculizumab groups were injection site reactions (37% vs. 3%), diarrhea (22% vs. 3%), breakthrough hemolysis (10% vs. 23%), headache (7% vs. 23%), and fatigue (5% vs. 15%). There were no cases of meningitis in either group.ConclusionsPegcetacoplan was superior to eculizumab in improving hemoglobin and clinical and hematologic outcomes in patients with PNH by providing broad hemolysis control, including control of intravascular and extravascular hemolysis. (Funded by Apellis Pharmaceuticals; PEGASUS ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03500549.)

Direct healthcare resource utilisation, health-related quality of life, and work productivity in patients with moderate rheumatoid arthritis: an observational study

BackgroundThe aim was to describe the population of patients with moderate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the United Kingdom and the burden of disease from the perspectives of the patient, caregiver, and health service.MethodsIn this descriptive study, retrospective patient-level data were extracted from hospital medical records to assess healthcare resource utilisation and validated outcome measures were administered via questionnaire to patients with moderate RA (Disease Activity Score [DAS28] between 3.2 and 5.1) from eight secondary care centres, and their caregivers. Patient-reported outcome instruments were scored according to licensed manuals.ResultsOutcome measures were completed by 102 patients and 38 caregivers. The mean EuroQoL-5 dimension-5 level crosswalk index value for patients was 0.62 (SD 0.24) compared to an England population norm of 0.82. Mean pain VAS score was 37.7 (SD 24.0) and mean Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index was 1.1 (SD 0.8). In employed patients who completed the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire (n = 26), a mean 29% (SD 26%) reduction in work productivity was recorded. Patients experienced significant fatigue as a result of their RA (median Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy fatigue score 17.2 of a possible 52, interquartile range [IQR] 11.0–28.8). Over 50% of caregivers reported providing > 7 h of support care per week to the patient with RA, and 16 and 11% took paid/unpaid leave or reduced working hours, respectively. Mean Caregiver Reaction Assessment subscale scores were 1.9 (SD 0.9) for finance, 1.7 (SD 0.8) for health, 2.3 (SD 1.0) for schedule disruption, and 1.9 (SD 0.8) for family support. Patients had a mean 5.5 (SD 4.1) outpatient attendances and a median 9.0 (IQR 2.0–20.0) diagnostic and monitoring tests in the 12 months prior to enrolment.ConclusionsThis study shows that moderate RA has a considerable impact on healthcare resources and on patients’ and caregivers’ lives. There is scope to improve the management of patients with moderate RA.

Harnessing digital health to objectively assess cancer-related fatigue: The impact of fatigue on mobility performance.

Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is highly prevalent among cancer survivors, which may have long-term effects on physical activity and quality of life. CRF is assessed by self-report or clinical observation, which may limit timely diagnosis and management. In this study, we examined the effect of CRF on mobility performance measured by a wearable pendant sensor. This is a secondary analysis of a clinical trial evaluating the benefit of exercise in cancer survivors with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). CRF status was classified based on a Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) score ≤ 33. Among 28 patients (age = 65.7±9.8 years old, BMI = 26.9±4.1kg/m2, sex = 32.9%female) with database variables of interest, twenty-one subjects (75.9%) were classified as non-CRF. Mobility performance, including behavior (sedentary, light, and moderate to vigorous activity (MtV)), postures (sitting, standing, lying, and walking), and locomotion (e.g., steps, postural transitions) were measured using a validated pendant-sensor over 24-hours. Baseline psychosocial, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), and motor-capacity assessments including gait (habitual speed, fast speed, and dual-task speed) and static balance were also performed. Both groups had similar baseline clinical and psychosocial characteristics, except for body-mass index (BMI), FACT-G, FACIT-F, and FES-I (p<0.050). The groups did not differ on motor-capacity. However, the majority of mobility performance parameters were different between groups with large to very large effect size, Cohen's d ranging from 0.91 to 1.59. Among assessed mobility performance, the largest effect sizes were observed for sedentary-behavior (d = 1.59, p = 0.006), light-activity (d = 1.48, p = 0.009), and duration of sitting+lying (d = 1.46, p = 0.016). The largest correlations between mobility performance and FACIT-F were observed for sitting+lying (rho = -0.67, p<0.001) and the number of steps per day (rho = 0.60, p = 0.001). The results of this study suggest that sensor-based mobility performance monitoring could be considered as a potential digital biomarker for CRF assessment. Future studies warrant evaluating utilization of mobility performance to track changes in CRF over time, response to CRF-related interventions, and earlier detection of CRF.

Longitudinal Trajectory of Fatigue in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Prospective Study.

Fatigue is a disabling symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its prevalence, mechanism, and impact remain poorly understood. We determined changes in fatigue status over time and identified predictors of incident or resolving fatigue. This was a prospective study nested within the IBD Partners cohort. Participants prospectively completed the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory and the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. A Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score ≤43 defined significant fatigue. Multivariable regression models using baseline covariates were used to identify risk factors for incident fatigue at 6 months and to predict the resolution of fatigue. A total of 2429 patients (1605 with Crohn disease, 824 with ulcerative colitis) completed a baseline assessment, and 1057 completed a second assessment at 6 months. Persistent fatigue (at baseline and at 6 months) was the most common pattern, affecting two-thirds (65.8%) of patients. One-sixth (15.7%) of patients had fatigue at 1 timepoint, whereas fewer than one-fifth (18.5%) of patients never reported fatigue. Among patients not fatigued at baseline, 26% developed fatigue at 6 months. The strongest predictor of incident fatigue was sleep disturbance at baseline (odds ratio, 2.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-5.72). In contrast, only 12.3% of those with fatigue at baseline had symptom resolution by month 6. Resolution was more likely in patients with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, quiescent disease, and an absence of significant psychological comorbidity. Fatigue is common in patients with IBD. However, only a few fatigued patients experience symptom resolution at 6 or 12 months, suggesting the need for novel interventions to ameliorate its impact.

Inflammation and Fatigue in Patients with Cold Agglutinin Disease (CAD): Analysis from the Phase 3 Cardinal Study

Introduction CAD is a rare, chronic type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, where hemolysis is driven by classical complement pathway (CP) activation. Complement activation assures rapid initiation of the complement cascade as part of an early immune response and inflammation. A proinflammatory state secondary to complement activation has been demonstrated in other hemolytic disease such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (Weitz et al. Thromb Res. 2012; Cofiell et al. Blood. 2015). Complement activation stimulates cytokine production (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 6 [IL-6], IL-8, IL-17) via anaphylatoxins C3a and C5a and increases vascular inflammatory markers, consistent with complement-mediated inflammation (Landsem et al. Clin Exp Immunol. 2017; Cofiell et al. Blood. 2015). In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, complement activation is associated with higher levels of fatigue (Sorensen et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2003) and inflammatory cytokine activity correlates with the severity of fatigue symptoms (Montoya et al. PNAS. 2017). In addition, IL-6 plays a more dominant role in immune stimulation, particularly during chronic inflammation stress such as rheumatoid arthritis (Choy et al. Rheumatology. 2018). In CAD, CP activation and chronic inflammation may contribute to patient fatigue, apart from anemia. CP activation resulting in a proinflammatory state has not been formally studied in CAD. The interplay between complement-mediated inflammation and fatigue also has not been previously explored in patients with CAD. In the Cardinal study (NCT03347396), efficacy and safety of the humanized monoclonal anti-C1s antibody, sutimlimab (formerly BIVV009), was evaluated in patients with CAD and recent history of blood transfusion. Here we summarize the results of inflammatory cytokine expression for IL-6 and IL-10 and their relation to fatigue over the Part A 26-week treatment period of Cardinal. Methods In Cardinal Part A, patients with CAD received intravenous doses of sutimlimab on Days 0 and 7, and biweekly infusions thereafter. Patients weighing &amp;lt;75 kg and ≥75 kg received a 6.5 g and 7.5 g dose, respectively. Cytokine levels for IL-6 and IL-10 were assessed in patients with available serum samples. Cytokine profiles and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) scores were evaluated from baseline to follow-up time points at Weeks 1, 3, 5, and 25, as represented by the treatment assessment time point (TAT) after initiating sutimlimab treatment. Summary statistics describing IL-6, IL-10, and FACIT-F changes at each week were reported. Results Mean IL-6 level (mean pg/mL [standard error of the mean (SEM)]) steadily decreased from baseline (3.21 [0.958]; normal values IL-6 &amp;lt;3.2 pg/mL) to follow up at all time points after initiating sutimlimab treatment (Figure 1), showing rapid onset and durable pattern of decline as early as Week 1 (2.70 [0.839]). Mean IL-6 level was reduced by more than half by Week 3 (1.56 [0.297]), slightly rose at Week 5 (1.88 [0.383]), and was lowest at TAT (1.31 [0.201]). Mean IL-10 level (pg/mL [SEM]) also decreased in a time-dependent manner from baseline (1.36 [0.310]) initially at Week 1 (0.99 [0.250]). Mean IL-10 slightly increased at Week 3 (1.07 [0.306]), but dropped at Week 5 (0.83 [0.142]) and was lowest by TAT (0.82 [0.129]) with sutimlimab treatment (Figure 2). At baseline, mean (SEM) FACIT-F score was 32.5 (2.266) (Figures 1-2). Patient FACIT-F scores showed early and late improvements with mean score increases at Week 1 (39.67 [1.741]), Week 3 (40.70 [1.543]), Week 5 (43.75 [1.192]), and at TAT (41.86 [1.958]). Decreased inflammation, as demonstrated by IL-6 and IL-10 activity, occurred concurrently with FACIT-F score improvements over time. Conclusions In Cardinal Part A, decrease from baseline to TAT in mean proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 and regulatory cytokine IL-10 levels were observed during sutimlimab treatment, highlighting the influence of complement inhibition on inflammation in CAD. Improved FACIT-F scores are concurrent with sutimlimab treatment and inhibition of the CP. Concurrent inverse changes were noted between select inflammatory cytokines and improvements in patients' fatigue, suggesting complement-mediated inflammation may additionally contribute to manifestation of fatigue in patients with CAD. Disclosures Weitz: Apellis: Consultancy, Honoraria; Alexion: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau. Ueda:Novartis: Honoraria; Alexion Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Sanofi: Consultancy, Honoraria. Shafer:Sanofi: Current Employment. Su:Sanofi: Current Employment. Foster:Sanofi Genzyme: Current Employment. Storek:Sanofi: Current Employment. Patel:Sanofi: Current Employment.

Danicopan: an oral complement factor D inhibitor for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is characterized by complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis due to the absence of complement regulators CD55 and CD59 on affected erythrocytes. Danicopan is a first-in-class oral proximal, complement alternative pathway factor D inhibitor. Therapeutic factor D inhibition was designed to control intravascular hemolysis and prevent C3-mediated extravascular hemolysis. In this open-label, phase II, dose-finding trial, ten untreated PNH patients with hemolysis received danicopan monotherapy (100-200 mg thrice daily). Endpoints included changes in the concentrations of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) at day 28 (primary endpoint), of LDH at day 84, and of hemoglobin. Safety, pharmacokinetics/ pharmacodynamics, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed. Ten patients reached the primary endpoint; two later discontinued treatment: one because of a serious adverse event (elevated aspartate aminotransferase/ alanine aminotransferase coincident with breakthrough hemolysis, resolving without sequelae) and one for personal reasons unrelated to safety. Eight patients completed treatment. Intravascular hemolysis was inhibited, as demonstrated by a mean decrease of LDH (5.7 times upper limit of normal [ULN] at baseline vs. 1.8 times ULN at day 28 and 2.2 times ULN at day 84; both P<0.001). Mean baseline hemoglobin, 9.8 g/dL, increased by 1.1 (day 28) and 1.7 (day 84) g/dL (both P<0.005). No significant C3 fragment deposition occurred on glycosylphosphatidylinositol- deficient erythrocytes. Mean baseline Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue score, 34, increased by 9 (day 28) and 13 (day 84) points. The most common adverse events were headache and upper respiratory tract infection. These phase II, monotherapy data show that proximal inhibition with danicopan provides clinically meaningful inhibition of intravascular hemolysis and increases hemoglobin concentration in untreated PNH patients, without evidence of C3-mediated extravascular hemolysis. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (#NCT03053102).

Early Changes in Physical Activity and Quality of Life With Thoracic Radiation Therapy in Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Lymphoma

The effects of thoracic radiation therapy (RT) on physical functioning and quality of life (QoL) are incompletely defined. We determined the associations between thoracic RT dose volume metrics, physical activity, and QoL in patients with cancer. Participants with breast cancer, lung cancer, or mediastinal lymphoma treated with radiation with or without chemotherapy were enrolled in a prospective, longitudinal cohort study. Data were collected pre-RT, immediately post-RT, and 5 to 9 months post-RT. At each timepoint, self-reported physical activity was assessed via the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire, and QoL metrics were assessed via Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue and Dyspnea Scales. Multivariable adjusted linear regression models were stratified by breast cancer alone and lung cancer and lymphoma combined. One hundred thirty participants were included in the study. In breast cancer (n = 80), each 1-Gy increase in mean heart dose was associated with worse Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Fatigue scores (-1.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.9 to -0.2; P = .021); similar associations were observed between V5 and fatigue (-2.5; 95% CI, -4.4 to -0.6; P = .010 for each 10% increase in V5). In lung cancer and lymphoma (n = 50), each 10% increase in V5 was associated with decreased physical activity (Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire score -2.3; 95% CI, -4.3 to -0.4; P = .017). Although the associations between baseline levels of physical activity and fatigue and dyspnea were of borderline significance in breast cancer alone (P < .10), increased physical activity over time was associated with improvements in fatigue and dyspnea across all cancer types (P < .05 for all). Higher cardiac RT dose was associated with worse fatigue and physical activity across breast cancer, lung cancer, and mediastinal lymphoma. Longitudinal increases in physical activity were associated with concurrent improvements in QoL measures. Strategies to increase physical activity and decrease cardiac RT dose may improve physical functioning and QoL for patients with cancer.

P778 Longitudinal trajectory of fatigue in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a prospective study

Abstract Background Fatigue is a commonly reported and sometimes disabling symptom in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Its prevalence, mechanism, and impact remain poorly understood. Using a large cohort of patients with IBD, we aimed to prospectively determine the trajectory of fatigue and to identify determinants and impact of incident and prevalent fatigue on patients with IBD. Methods This prospective study was nested within the IBD partners cohort, a validated internet-based cohort of patients with IBD. Participants were invited to prospectively complete questionnaires assessing fatigue status at baseline and subsequently after 6 and 12 months. Fatigue was assessed using the validated Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) score. A FACIT-F score of &amp;lt; 43 was defined as significant fatigue. We examined the trajectory and predictors of different courses of fatigue including incident fatigue (not fatigued as baseline but fatigued at 6 months) and resolved fatigue (fatigue at baseline but resolved on follow-up). Results A total of 2429 patients (1605 CD, 824 UC) completed baseline assessment among whom 1057 completed a second assessment at 6 months. First, we identified three distinct patterns of fatigue. Episodic fatigue defined as fatigue at any one (but not both) time point was the most common, affecting 1182 patients (57.0%). Persistent fatigue (at both baseline and follow-up) affected 33.5% (n = 695) while only 196 patients (9.5%) reported no fatigue at any time point (n = 196) (Figure). Patients that reported persistent or intermittent fatigue were more likely to have active disease (p &amp;lt; 0.001), be younger, (p &amp;lt; 0.001), report anaemia (p = 0.002) and low vitamin B12 levels (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and to have a prior diagnosis of depression, anxiety or sleep disorder (p &amp;lt; 0.001). Among patients who were not fatigued at baseline, 26% developed new fatigue at 6 months defined as incident fatigue). The strongest predictor of this being presence of sleep disturbance at baseline (OR 2.45, 95% CI 0.24–1.55) (Table). In contrast, only 12.3% of those with fatigue at baseline had symptom resolution by month 6. Resolution of fatigue was more common in those with UC (p = 0.03), quiescent disease at baseline (p = 0.006), not receiving biologic therapy at baseline (p = 0.016) and no sleep disturbance (p &amp;lt; 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.002) and depressive (p = 0.005) symptoms at baseline. Conclusion Our findings indicate three distinct trajectories of fatigue in patients with IBD with their distinct predictors. Importantly, 26% of patients developed new onset fatigue at 6 months demonstrating the substantial impact of this on patients with IBD.

Impact of Ninjin'Yoeito on Fatigue in Patients Receiving Nab-Paclitaxel Plus Gemcitabine Therapy: A Prospective, Single-Arm, Phase II Open Label, Nonrandomized, Historically-Controlled Study

BackgroundNinjin'yoeito, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, is used to prevent fatigue, loss of appetite, and coldness of limbs. Fatigue is an especially common issue during chemotherapy and can affect quality of life and the ability to complete scheduled treatment.ObjectivesThis prospective exploratory trial evaluates the efficacy of ninjin'yoeito for fatigue in patients undergoing nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine therapy for unresectable pancreatic cancer. The primary end point was evaluation of fatigue according to Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score during 2 courses of nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine therapy. Secondary end points included evaluation of dose intensity, appetite loss using numerical rating scale, and peripheral neuropathy using a patient neurotoxicity questionnaire.MethodsWe compared data from this interventional trial with a prior observational trial without administration of ninjin'yoeito with identical definition of end points (UMIN000021758). Thirty patients were required by the study.ResultsThreshold mean of Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score across 8 weeks during chemotherapy was under 5.3 (P = 0.002). Secondary end points did not reveal any specific patterns in appetite loss or degree of pain. No significant changes in patient neurotoxicity questionnaire concerning sensory/motor disorders were observed, but the mean (SD) incidence of patients with sensory disturbance was higher between the fifth and eighth weeks (8.8 [1.26]) than during the first and fourth weeks (4.8 [0.96]) (P = 0.003). Clinically significant adverse reactions of ninjin'yoeito were not observed.ConclusionsNinjin'yoeito may be useful for improving the symptoms of fatigue caused by nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. UMIN Clinical Trials Registry identifier: UMIN000025606. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX–XXX)

Exercise-induced attenuation of treatment side-effects in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer beginning androgen-deprivation therapy: a randomised controlled trial.

(i) To assess whether exercise training attenuates the adverse effects of treatment in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer beginning androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), and (ii) to examine whether exercise-induced improvements are sustained after the withdrawal of supervised exercise. In all, 50 patients with prostate cancer scheduled for ADT were randomised to an exercise group (n=24) or a control group (n=26). The exercise group completed 3months of supervised aerobic and resistance exercise training (twice a week for 60min), followed by 3months of self-directed exercise. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3- and 6-months. The primary outcome was difference in fat mass at 3-months. Secondary outcomes included: fat-free mass, cardiopulmonary exercise testing variables, QRISK® 2 (ClinRisk Ltd, Leeds, UK) score, anthropometry, blood-borne biomarkers, fatigue, and quality of life (QoL). At 3-months, exercise training prevented adverse changes in peak O2 uptake (1.9mL/kg/min, P=0.038), ventilatory threshold (1.7mL/kg/min, P=0.013), O2 uptake efficiency slope (0.21, P=0.005), and fatigue (between-group difference in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score of 4.5points, P=0.024) compared with controls. After the supervised exercise was withdrawn, the differences in cardiopulmonary fitness and fatigue were not sustained, but the exercise group showed significantly better QoL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate difference of 8.5points, P=0.034) and a reduced QRISK2 score (-2.9%, P=0.041) compared to controls. A short-term programme of supervised exercise in patients with prostate cancer beginning ADT results in sustained improvements in QoL and cardiovascular events risk profile.

Physical Activity for Symptom Management in Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Randomized Feasibility Trial on Physical Activity and Breast Metastases

ContextPhysical activity for women with early-stage breast cancer is well recognized for managing cancer-related symptoms and improving quality of life. While typically excluded from interventions, women with metastatic breast cancer may also benefit from physical activity. ObjectiveTo 1) determine the safety and feasibility of a physical activity program for women with metastatic breast cancer and 2) explore the efficacy of the program. MethodsFourteen women with metastatic breast cancer were randomized to either a control group or an 8-week home-based physical activity intervention comprising twice weekly supervised resistance training and an unsupervized walking program. ResultsThe recruitment rate was 93%. Adherence to the resistance and walking components of the program was 100% and 25%, respectively. No adverse events were reported. When mean change scores from baseline to postintervention were compared, trends in favor of the exercise group over the control group were observed for the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue score (+5.6 ± 3.2 vs. −1.8 ± 3.9, respectively), VO2max (+1.6 ml/kg/minute ±1.8 mL/kg/minute vs. −0.2 mL/kg/minute ±0.1 mL/kg/minute, respectively) and six-minute walk test (+40 m ± 23 m vs. −46 m ± 56 m, respectively). ConclusionA partially supervised home-based physical activity program for women with metastatic breast cancer is feasible and safe. The dose of the resistance training component was well tolerated and achievable in this population. In contrast, adherence and compliance to the walking program were poor. Preliminary data suggest a physical activity program, comprising predominantly resistance training, may lead to improvements in physical capacity and may help women to live well with their disease.