Article

Key clinical point: Elevated baseline levels of interleukin (IL)-22, IL-17A, and β-defensin (BD)-2 were linked to the achievement of robust skin response with guselkumab in difficult to treat patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who showed inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi-IR).

Major finding: Levels of IL-22 and BD-2 were elevated in TNFi-IR patients with PsA who did vs did not achieve a ≥90% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index with guselkumab (P < .05). Levels of IL-17A and BD-2 were similarly elevated in patients who did vs did not respond to Investigator’s Global Assessment 0/1 criteria with guselkumab (all P < .05).

Study details: This post hoc analysis of pooled data from DISCOVER-1, DISCOVER-2, and COSMOS studies included patients with active PsA who were biologic-naive (n = 251) or had TNFi-IR (n = 93) and who received 100 mg guselkumab every 8 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Janssen Research & Development. Ten authors declared being employees of Janssen or subsidiaries or owning stocks or stock options in Johnson & Johnson. Several authors declared other ties with various sources, including Janssen. Other authors had no conflicts of interest.

Source: Siebert S, Coates LC, Schett G, et al. Modulation of IL-23 signaling with guselkumab in biologic-naïve patients versus TNF inhibitor-inadequate responders with active psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2024 (Jan 22). doi: 10.1002/art.42803 Source

Key clinical point: Elevated baseline levels of interleukin (IL)-22, IL-17A, and β-defensin (BD)-2 were linked to the achievement of robust skin response with guselkumab in difficult to treat patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who showed inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi-IR).

Major finding: Levels of IL-22 and BD-2 were elevated in TNFi-IR patients with PsA who did vs did not achieve a ≥90% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index with guselkumab (P < .05). Levels of IL-17A and BD-2 were similarly elevated in patients who did vs did not respond to Investigator’s Global Assessment 0/1 criteria with guselkumab (all P < .05).

Study details: This post hoc analysis of pooled data from DISCOVER-1, DISCOVER-2, and COSMOS studies included patients with active PsA who were biologic-naive (n = 251) or had TNFi-IR (n = 93) and who received 100 mg guselkumab every 8 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Janssen Research & Development. Ten authors declared being employees of Janssen or subsidiaries or owning stocks or stock options in Johnson & Johnson. Several authors declared other ties with various sources, including Janssen. Other authors had no conflicts of interest.

Source: Siebert S, Coates LC, Schett G, et al. Modulation of IL-23 signaling with guselkumab in biologic-naïve patients versus TNF inhibitor-inadequate responders with active psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2024 (Jan 22). doi: 10.1002/art.42803 Source

Key clinical point: Elevated baseline levels of interleukin (IL)-22, IL-17A, and β-defensin (BD)-2 were linked to the achievement of robust skin response with guselkumab in difficult to treat patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who showed inadequate response to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi-IR).

Major finding: Levels of IL-22 and BD-2 were elevated in TNFi-IR patients with PsA who did vs did not achieve a ≥90% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index with guselkumab (P < .05). Levels of IL-17A and BD-2 were similarly elevated in patients who did vs did not respond to Investigator’s Global Assessment 0/1 criteria with guselkumab (all P < .05).

Study details: This post hoc analysis of pooled data from DISCOVER-1, DISCOVER-2, and COSMOS studies included patients with active PsA who were biologic-naive (n = 251) or had TNFi-IR (n = 93) and who received 100 mg guselkumab every 8 weeks.

Disclosures: This study was sponsored by Janssen Research & Development. Ten authors declared being employees of Janssen or subsidiaries or owning stocks or stock options in Johnson & Johnson. Several authors declared other ties with various sources, including Janssen. Other authors had no conflicts of interest.

Source: Siebert S, Coates LC, Schett G, et al. Modulation of IL-23 signaling with guselkumab in biologic-naïve patients versus TNF inhibitor-inadequate responders with active psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis Rheumatol. 2024 (Jan 22). doi: 10.1002/art.42803 Source

Key clinical point: Compared with the general population, the prevalence of psychotic disorders was significantly lower in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but a co-diagnosis of PsA and psychotic disorders was associated with an increased mortality rate, that too at a lower age.

Major finding: The prevalence of psychotic disorders was significantly lower in patients with PsA vs the general population (0.61% vs 0.72%; P = .006). Patients with PsA who did vs did not have psychotic disorders had an increased likelihood of death (9.3% vs 4.9%; P = .005) and significantly lower age at death (64.7 years vs 74.5 years; P < .001).

Study details: This cohort study included 449,392 patients with psoriasis and 47,825 patients with PsA.

Disclosures: The lead author Emilie Brenaut declared receiving a postdoctoral fellowship from the French Society of Dermatology and the Collège des Enseignants en Dermatologie de France as well as personal fees and nonfinancial support from various sources. The other authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Source: Brenaut E, Godin O, Leboyer M, et al. Association between psychotic disorders and psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis: Cohort study of French health insurance database. J Invest Dermatol. 2024 (Jan 19). doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.01.005  Source

Key clinical point: Compared with the general population, the prevalence of psychotic disorders was significantly lower in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but a co-diagnosis of PsA and psychotic disorders was associated with an increased mortality rate, that too at a lower age.

Major finding: The prevalence of psychotic disorders was significantly lower in patients with PsA vs the general population (0.61% vs 0.72%; P = .006). Patients with PsA who did vs did not have psychotic disorders had an increased likelihood of death (9.3% vs 4.9%; P = .005) and significantly lower age at death (64.7 years vs 74.5 years; P < .001).

Study details: This cohort study included 449,392 patients with psoriasis and 47,825 patients with PsA.

Disclosures: The lead author Emilie Brenaut declared receiving a postdoctoral fellowship from the French Society of Dermatology and the Collège des Enseignants en Dermatologie de France as well as personal fees and nonfinancial support from various sources. The other authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Source: Brenaut E, Godin O, Leboyer M, et al. Association between psychotic disorders and psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis: Cohort study of French health insurance database. J Invest Dermatol. 2024 (Jan 19). doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.01.005  Source

Key clinical point: Compared with the general population, the prevalence of psychotic disorders was significantly lower in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), but a co-diagnosis of PsA and psychotic disorders was associated with an increased mortality rate, that too at a lower age.

Major finding: The prevalence of psychotic disorders was significantly lower in patients with PsA vs the general population (0.61% vs 0.72%; P = .006). Patients with PsA who did vs did not have psychotic disorders had an increased likelihood of death (9.3% vs 4.9%; P = .005) and significantly lower age at death (64.7 years vs 74.5 years; P < .001).

Study details: This cohort study included 449,392 patients with psoriasis and 47,825 patients with PsA.

Disclosures: The lead author Emilie Brenaut declared receiving a postdoctoral fellowship from the French Society of Dermatology and the Collège des Enseignants en Dermatologie de France as well as personal fees and nonfinancial support from various sources. The other authors reported no conflicts of interest.

Source: Brenaut E, Godin O, Leboyer M, et al. Association between psychotic disorders and psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis: Cohort study of French health insurance database. J Invest Dermatol. 2024 (Jan 19). doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2024.01.005  Source

Key clinical point: Tofacitinib improved disease activity outcomes and clinical manifestations in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who initiated and continued treatment with tofacitinib.

Major finding: At 6 ± 3 months of follow-up, 25.0% and 7.8% of patients achieved Clinical Disease Activity Index for PsA-defined low disease activity and remission, respectively, and 18.2% of patients achieved minimal disease activity. A substantial proportion of patients also reported the resolution of dactylitis (29.4%) and enthesitis (42.9%).

Study details: Findings are from an observational study including 222 patients with PsA from the CorEvitas PsA/Spondyloarthritis Registry who initiated treatment with tofacitinib, of whom 123 patients had 6 ± 3 months of follow-up.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Pfizer. Four authors declared being employees and stockholders of Pfizer Inc. The other authors declared having ties with various sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Mease PJ, Young P, Fallon L, et al. Effectiveness of tofacitinib in patients initiating therapy for psoriatic arthritis: Results from the CorEvitas Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registry. Rheumatol Ther. 2024 (Jan 22). doi: 10.1007/s40744-023-00631-4 Source

Key clinical point: Tofacitinib improved disease activity outcomes and clinical manifestations in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who initiated and continued treatment with tofacitinib.

Major finding: At 6 ± 3 months of follow-up, 25.0% and 7.8% of patients achieved Clinical Disease Activity Index for PsA-defined low disease activity and remission, respectively, and 18.2% of patients achieved minimal disease activity. A substantial proportion of patients also reported the resolution of dactylitis (29.4%) and enthesitis (42.9%).

Study details: Findings are from an observational study including 222 patients with PsA from the CorEvitas PsA/Spondyloarthritis Registry who initiated treatment with tofacitinib, of whom 123 patients had 6 ± 3 months of follow-up.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Pfizer. Four authors declared being employees and stockholders of Pfizer Inc. The other authors declared having ties with various sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Mease PJ, Young P, Fallon L, et al. Effectiveness of tofacitinib in patients initiating therapy for psoriatic arthritis: Results from the CorEvitas Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registry. Rheumatol Ther. 2024 (Jan 22). doi: 10.1007/s40744-023-00631-4 Source

Key clinical point: Tofacitinib improved disease activity outcomes and clinical manifestations in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who initiated and continued treatment with tofacitinib.

Major finding: At 6 ± 3 months of follow-up, 25.0% and 7.8% of patients achieved Clinical Disease Activity Index for PsA-defined low disease activity and remission, respectively, and 18.2% of patients achieved minimal disease activity. A substantial proportion of patients also reported the resolution of dactylitis (29.4%) and enthesitis (42.9%).

Study details: Findings are from an observational study including 222 patients with PsA from the CorEvitas PsA/Spondyloarthritis Registry who initiated treatment with tofacitinib, of whom 123 patients had 6 ± 3 months of follow-up.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Pfizer. Four authors declared being employees and stockholders of Pfizer Inc. The other authors declared having ties with various sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Mease PJ, Young P, Fallon L, et al. Effectiveness of tofacitinib in patients initiating therapy for psoriatic arthritis: Results from the CorEvitas Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registry. Rheumatol Ther. 2024 (Jan 22). doi: 10.1007/s40744-023-00631-4 Source

Key clinical point: In patients with moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis (PsA), risankizumab demonstrated superior efficacy vs placebo in improving disease activity outcomes with a favorable safety profile.

Major finding: A significantly higher number of patients receiving risankizumab vs placebo achieved more than 20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology score at week 24 (risk ratio [RR] 1.760; P < .001) and higher minimal disease activity response (RR 1.827; P < .05). The incidences of serious adverse events and serious treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between the risankizumab and placebo groups (P = .31 and P = .97, respectively).

Study details: This meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials included 5038 patients with PsA who received either risankizumab or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Su QY, Zhou HN, Xia GM, et al. Efficacy and safety of risankizumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Rheumatol Ther. 2024 (Feb 1). doi: 10.1007/s40744-024-00638-5 Source

Key clinical point: In patients with moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis (PsA), risankizumab demonstrated superior efficacy vs placebo in improving disease activity outcomes with a favorable safety profile.

Major finding: A significantly higher number of patients receiving risankizumab vs placebo achieved more than 20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology score at week 24 (risk ratio [RR] 1.760; P < .001) and higher minimal disease activity response (RR 1.827; P < .05). The incidences of serious adverse events and serious treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between the risankizumab and placebo groups (P = .31 and P = .97, respectively).

Study details: This meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials included 5038 patients with PsA who received either risankizumab or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Su QY, Zhou HN, Xia GM, et al. Efficacy and safety of risankizumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Rheumatol Ther. 2024 (Feb 1). doi: 10.1007/s40744-024-00638-5 Source

Key clinical point: In patients with moderate to severe psoriatic arthritis (PsA), risankizumab demonstrated superior efficacy vs placebo in improving disease activity outcomes with a favorable safety profile.

Major finding: A significantly higher number of patients receiving risankizumab vs placebo achieved more than 20% improvement in American College of Rheumatology score at week 24 (risk ratio [RR] 1.760; P < .001) and higher minimal disease activity response (RR 1.827; P < .05). The incidences of serious adverse events and serious treatment-emergent adverse events were similar between the risankizumab and placebo groups (P = .31 and P = .97, respectively).

Study details: This meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials included 5038 patients with PsA who received either risankizumab or placebo.

Disclosures: This study was supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Natural Science Foundation of Shanxi Province. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Su QY, Zhou HN, Xia GM, et al. Efficacy and safety of risankizumab in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Rheumatol Ther. 2024 (Feb 1). doi: 10.1007/s40744-024-00638-5 Source

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) showed improvements in enthesitis scores on receiving 15 mg upadacitinib for 24 weeks, with the improvements being maintained for ≤56 weeks.

Major finding: At week 24, a significantly higher proportion of patients achieved a greater improvement in the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI) score with 15 mg upadacitinib vs placebo (59.8% vs 38.0%; P < .001), with the improvements being maintained by >65% of patients receiving upadacitinib at week 56. Among patients who achieved resolution (LEI = 0) at week 24, >80% did not have recurrent enthesitis with upadacitinib at week 56.

Study details: This post hoc analysis of the SELECT-PsA 1 and SELECT-PsA 2 trials analyzed the data of patients with PsA who received 15 mg upadacitinib (n = 639) or placebo (n = 635).

Disclosures: This study was funded by AbbVie. Five authors declared being employees of or holding stocks or stock options with AbbVie. Two authors declared receiving consulting fees from or having other ties with various sources, including AbbVie. Fabrizio Cantini declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Cantini F, Marchesoni A, Novelli L, et al. Effects of upadacitinib on enthesitis in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A post hoc analysis of SELECT-PsA 1 and 2. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2024 (Feb 8). doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae057 Source

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) showed improvements in enthesitis scores on receiving 15 mg upadacitinib for 24 weeks, with the improvements being maintained for ≤56 weeks.

Major finding: At week 24, a significantly higher proportion of patients achieved a greater improvement in the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI) score with 15 mg upadacitinib vs placebo (59.8% vs 38.0%; P < .001), with the improvements being maintained by >65% of patients receiving upadacitinib at week 56. Among patients who achieved resolution (LEI = 0) at week 24, >80% did not have recurrent enthesitis with upadacitinib at week 56.

Study details: This post hoc analysis of the SELECT-PsA 1 and SELECT-PsA 2 trials analyzed the data of patients with PsA who received 15 mg upadacitinib (n = 639) or placebo (n = 635).

Disclosures: This study was funded by AbbVie. Five authors declared being employees of or holding stocks or stock options with AbbVie. Two authors declared receiving consulting fees from or having other ties with various sources, including AbbVie. Fabrizio Cantini declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Cantini F, Marchesoni A, Novelli L, et al. Effects of upadacitinib on enthesitis in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A post hoc analysis of SELECT-PsA 1 and 2. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2024 (Feb 8). doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae057 Source

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) showed improvements in enthesitis scores on receiving 15 mg upadacitinib for 24 weeks, with the improvements being maintained for ≤56 weeks.

Major finding: At week 24, a significantly higher proportion of patients achieved a greater improvement in the Leeds Enthesitis Index (LEI) score with 15 mg upadacitinib vs placebo (59.8% vs 38.0%; P < .001), with the improvements being maintained by >65% of patients receiving upadacitinib at week 56. Among patients who achieved resolution (LEI = 0) at week 24, >80% did not have recurrent enthesitis with upadacitinib at week 56.

Study details: This post hoc analysis of the SELECT-PsA 1 and SELECT-PsA 2 trials analyzed the data of patients with PsA who received 15 mg upadacitinib (n = 639) or placebo (n = 635).

Disclosures: This study was funded by AbbVie. Five authors declared being employees of or holding stocks or stock options with AbbVie. Two authors declared receiving consulting fees from or having other ties with various sources, including AbbVie. Fabrizio Cantini declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Cantini F, Marchesoni A, Novelli L, et al. Effects of upadacitinib on enthesitis in patients with psoriatic arthritis: A post hoc analysis of SELECT-PsA 1 and 2. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2024 (Feb 8). doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae057 Source

Key clinical point: Neuropathic pain (NP) led to an increase in obesity-associated factors, such as high serum leptin levels and worsened sleep quality, disease activity outcomes, and fatigue levels in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who did not have fibromyalgia.

Major finding: Patients with PsA who reported NP vs nociceptive pain had higher serum leptin levels (odds ratio [OR] 1.03; 95% CI 1.007-1.056) and poor sleep quality as assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index score (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.090-1.297), along with greater fatigue, increased PsA disease activity, poor functioning, and higher disease impact (all P < .001).

Study details: Findings are from a cross-sectional study that included 246 patients with PsA who were not diagnosed with fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

Disclosures: The study authors declared receiving financial support for the research, authorship, and publication of this study. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Toledano E, Queiro R, Gomez-Lechon L, et al. Influence of comorbidities not associated with fibromyalgia on neuropathic pain in patients with psoriatic arthritis: Relationship with clinical parameters. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1331761 (Jan 24). doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1331761 Source

Key clinical point: Neuropathic pain (NP) led to an increase in obesity-associated factors, such as high serum leptin levels and worsened sleep quality, disease activity outcomes, and fatigue levels in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who did not have fibromyalgia.

Major finding: Patients with PsA who reported NP vs nociceptive pain had higher serum leptin levels (odds ratio [OR] 1.03; 95% CI 1.007-1.056) and poor sleep quality as assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index score (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.090-1.297), along with greater fatigue, increased PsA disease activity, poor functioning, and higher disease impact (all P < .001).

Study details: Findings are from a cross-sectional study that included 246 patients with PsA who were not diagnosed with fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

Disclosures: The study authors declared receiving financial support for the research, authorship, and publication of this study. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Toledano E, Queiro R, Gomez-Lechon L, et al. Influence of comorbidities not associated with fibromyalgia on neuropathic pain in patients with psoriatic arthritis: Relationship with clinical parameters. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1331761 (Jan 24). doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1331761 Source

Key clinical point: Neuropathic pain (NP) led to an increase in obesity-associated factors, such as high serum leptin levels and worsened sleep quality, disease activity outcomes, and fatigue levels in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who did not have fibromyalgia.

Major finding: Patients with PsA who reported NP vs nociceptive pain had higher serum leptin levels (odds ratio [OR] 1.03; 95% CI 1.007-1.056) and poor sleep quality as assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index score (OR 1.19; 95% CI 1.090-1.297), along with greater fatigue, increased PsA disease activity, poor functioning, and higher disease impact (all P < .001).

Study details: Findings are from a cross-sectional study that included 246 patients with PsA who were not diagnosed with fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, diabetes, or dyslipidemia.

Disclosures: The study authors declared receiving financial support for the research, authorship, and publication of this study. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Toledano E, Queiro R, Gomez-Lechon L, et al. Influence of comorbidities not associated with fibromyalgia on neuropathic pain in patients with psoriatic arthritis: Relationship with clinical parameters. Front Med (Lausanne). 2024;11:1331761 (Jan 24). doi: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1331761 Source

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) had significantly higher levels of aortic vascular inflammation as measured by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) scanning than control individuals without PsA who had melanoma.

Major finding: Vascular inflammation of the whole aorta was significantly increased in patients with PsA vs control individuals (mean target-to-background ratio 1.63 vs 1.49; P < .001), with the association remaining significant even after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, and aortic calcification (P = .002). Patients with PsA vs control individuals also had a higher extent of inflammation in other aortic segments.

Study details: Findings are from cross-sectional study that included 75 patients with active PsA and 40 control individuals without PsA who were diagnosed with melanoma without distant metastases, all of whom underwent FDG PET/CT scans.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Health Holland and Pfizer. Four authors declared serving as consultants or advisors for, receiving research grants from, or having other ties with various sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Kleinrensink NJ, Spierings J, Vonkeman HE, et al. Increased vascular inflammation on PET/CT in psoriatic arthritis patients in comparison with controls. RMD open. 2024;10:e003547 (Jan 30). doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003547 Source

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) had significantly higher levels of aortic vascular inflammation as measured by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) scanning than control individuals without PsA who had melanoma.

Major finding: Vascular inflammation of the whole aorta was significantly increased in patients with PsA vs control individuals (mean target-to-background ratio 1.63 vs 1.49; P < .001), with the association remaining significant even after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, and aortic calcification (P = .002). Patients with PsA vs control individuals also had a higher extent of inflammation in other aortic segments.

Study details: Findings are from cross-sectional study that included 75 patients with active PsA and 40 control individuals without PsA who were diagnosed with melanoma without distant metastases, all of whom underwent FDG PET/CT scans.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Health Holland and Pfizer. Four authors declared serving as consultants or advisors for, receiving research grants from, or having other ties with various sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Kleinrensink NJ, Spierings J, Vonkeman HE, et al. Increased vascular inflammation on PET/CT in psoriatic arthritis patients in comparison with controls. RMD open. 2024;10:e003547 (Jan 30). doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003547 Source

Key clinical point: Patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) had significantly higher levels of aortic vascular inflammation as measured by 18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) scanning than control individuals without PsA who had melanoma.

Major finding: Vascular inflammation of the whole aorta was significantly increased in patients with PsA vs control individuals (mean target-to-background ratio 1.63 vs 1.49; P < .001), with the association remaining significant even after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, and aortic calcification (P = .002). Patients with PsA vs control individuals also had a higher extent of inflammation in other aortic segments.

Study details: Findings are from cross-sectional study that included 75 patients with active PsA and 40 control individuals without PsA who were diagnosed with melanoma without distant metastases, all of whom underwent FDG PET/CT scans.

Disclosures: This study was funded by Health Holland and Pfizer. Four authors declared serving as consultants or advisors for, receiving research grants from, or having other ties with various sources, including Pfizer.

Source: Kleinrensink NJ, Spierings J, Vonkeman HE, et al. Increased vascular inflammation on PET/CT in psoriatic arthritis patients in comparison with controls. RMD open. 2024;10:e003547 (Jan 30). doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2023-003547 Source

Key clinical point: Nanoparticle albumin‐bound (nab) paclitaxel showed promising clinical activity and tolerable safety in patients with metastatic breast cancer (BC) who were previously treated with taxanes, regardless of their sensitivity or resistance to taxane therapy.

Major finding: The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.20 months (95% CI 6.63-7.80 months) for all patients. The median PFS was significantly longer (7.57 vs 4.43 months; P < .001) and the disease control rate was 88.24% vs 68.00% in patients who were taxane-sensitive vs taxane-resistant. Neutropenia (21.19%), leukopenia (19.49%), and sensory neuropathy (6.36%) were the most frequent grade 3-4 adverse events.

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective study including 236 taxane-pretreated women with metastatic BC, of whom 184 were sensitive and 52 were resistant to taxanes based on previous treatment and received nab-paclitaxel as monotherapy or combination therapy.

Disclosures: This study was supported by the Jiangsu Provincial Medical Youth Talent and the Talents Program of Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, China. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Xiong W, Xu T, Liu X, Zhang L, Yuan Y. Efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in taxane-pretreated metastatic breast cancer patients. Cancer. 2024 (Jan 25). doi: 10.1002/cncr.35206 Source

Key clinical point: Nanoparticle albumin‐bound (nab) paclitaxel showed promising clinical activity and tolerable safety in patients with metastatic breast cancer (BC) who were previously treated with taxanes, regardless of their sensitivity or resistance to taxane therapy.

Major finding: The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.20 months (95% CI 6.63-7.80 months) for all patients. The median PFS was significantly longer (7.57 vs 4.43 months; P < .001) and the disease control rate was 88.24% vs 68.00% in patients who were taxane-sensitive vs taxane-resistant. Neutropenia (21.19%), leukopenia (19.49%), and sensory neuropathy (6.36%) were the most frequent grade 3-4 adverse events.

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective study including 236 taxane-pretreated women with metastatic BC, of whom 184 were sensitive and 52 were resistant to taxanes based on previous treatment and received nab-paclitaxel as monotherapy or combination therapy.

Disclosures: This study was supported by the Jiangsu Provincial Medical Youth Talent and the Talents Program of Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, China. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Xiong W, Xu T, Liu X, Zhang L, Yuan Y. Efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in taxane-pretreated metastatic breast cancer patients. Cancer. 2024 (Jan 25). doi: 10.1002/cncr.35206 Source

Key clinical point: Nanoparticle albumin‐bound (nab) paclitaxel showed promising clinical activity and tolerable safety in patients with metastatic breast cancer (BC) who were previously treated with taxanes, regardless of their sensitivity or resistance to taxane therapy.

Major finding: The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.20 months (95% CI 6.63-7.80 months) for all patients. The median PFS was significantly longer (7.57 vs 4.43 months; P < .001) and the disease control rate was 88.24% vs 68.00% in patients who were taxane-sensitive vs taxane-resistant. Neutropenia (21.19%), leukopenia (19.49%), and sensory neuropathy (6.36%) were the most frequent grade 3-4 adverse events.

Study details: Findings are from a retrospective study including 236 taxane-pretreated women with metastatic BC, of whom 184 were sensitive and 52 were resistant to taxanes based on previous treatment and received nab-paclitaxel as monotherapy or combination therapy.

Disclosures: This study was supported by the Jiangsu Provincial Medical Youth Talent and the Talents Program of Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, China. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Xiong W, Xu T, Liu X, Zhang L, Yuan Y. Efficacy and safety of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel in taxane-pretreated metastatic breast cancer patients. Cancer. 2024 (Jan 25). doi: 10.1002/cncr.35206 Source

Key clinical point: Poziotinib demonstrated promising antitumor activity but high toxicity in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) advanced breast cancer (BC) who were heavily pretreated with HER2-directed therapy.

Major finding: Intermittent and continuous dosing schedules of poziotinib led to objective response rates of 30% each (P = .98) and disease control rates of 60% and 78% (P = .15), respectively. Grades 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were reported by 67% and 76% of patients receiving intermittent and continuous dosing schedules of poziotinib, respectively.

Study details: This phase 2 trial included 67 patients with HER2+ advanced BC who were previously treated with two or more HER2-directed regimens and who received 24 mg poziotinib once daily on an intermittent dosing schedule (n = 33) or 16 mg poziotinib once daily on a continuous dosing schedule (n = 34).

Disclosures: This study received financial support from Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. Gajanan Bhat and Szu-Yun Leu declared being employees of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. Adam Brufsky declared serving as a consultant for and receiving research support from various sources. The other authors did not declare any conflicts of interest.

Source: Nasrazadani A, Marti JLG, Lathrop K, et al. Poziotinib treatment in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer who have received prior anti-HER2 regimens. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2024 (Jan 23). doi: 10.1007/s10549-023-07236-z  Source

Key clinical point: Poziotinib demonstrated promising antitumor activity but high toxicity in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) advanced breast cancer (BC) who were heavily pretreated with HER2-directed therapy.

Major finding: Intermittent and continuous dosing schedules of poziotinib led to objective response rates of 30% each (P = .98) and disease control rates of 60% and 78% (P = .15), respectively. Grades 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were reported by 67% and 76% of patients receiving intermittent and continuous dosing schedules of poziotinib, respectively.

Study details: This phase 2 trial included 67 patients with HER2+ advanced BC who were previously treated with two or more HER2-directed regimens and who received 24 mg poziotinib once daily on an intermittent dosing schedule (n = 33) or 16 mg poziotinib once daily on a continuous dosing schedule (n = 34).

Disclosures: This study received financial support from Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. Gajanan Bhat and Szu-Yun Leu declared being employees of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. Adam Brufsky declared serving as a consultant for and receiving research support from various sources. The other authors did not declare any conflicts of interest.

Source: Nasrazadani A, Marti JLG, Lathrop K, et al. Poziotinib treatment in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer who have received prior anti-HER2 regimens. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2024 (Jan 23). doi: 10.1007/s10549-023-07236-z  Source

Key clinical point: Poziotinib demonstrated promising antitumor activity but high toxicity in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) advanced breast cancer (BC) who were heavily pretreated with HER2-directed therapy.

Major finding: Intermittent and continuous dosing schedules of poziotinib led to objective response rates of 30% each (P = .98) and disease control rates of 60% and 78% (P = .15), respectively. Grades 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were reported by 67% and 76% of patients receiving intermittent and continuous dosing schedules of poziotinib, respectively.

Study details: This phase 2 trial included 67 patients with HER2+ advanced BC who were previously treated with two or more HER2-directed regimens and who received 24 mg poziotinib once daily on an intermittent dosing schedule (n = 33) or 16 mg poziotinib once daily on a continuous dosing schedule (n = 34).

Disclosures: This study received financial support from Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. Gajanan Bhat and Szu-Yun Leu declared being employees of Spectrum Pharmaceuticals. Adam Brufsky declared serving as a consultant for and receiving research support from various sources. The other authors did not declare any conflicts of interest.

Source: Nasrazadani A, Marti JLG, Lathrop K, et al. Poziotinib treatment in patients with HER2-positive advanced breast cancer who have received prior anti-HER2 regimens. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2024 (Jan 23). doi: 10.1007/s10549-023-07236-z  Source

Key clinical point: Both hypofractionated (HF) and conventional fractionated (CF) radiotherapy were comparably effective in patients who had undergone surgery for breast cancer (BC); however, the HF vs CF regimen was more effective in reducing skin toxicity and relieving fatigue.

Major finding: CF vs HF radiotherapy demonstrated no significant improvement in terms of local recurrence (odds ratio [OR] 0.91; P  =  .30) or overall survival (OR 1.08; P  =  .28) outcomes. Although safety outcomes like breast pain, breast atrophy, lymphedema, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, telangiectasia, and cardiotoxicity were comparable in both groups, HF vs CF regimen led to lower skin toxicity (OR 0.43; P < .01) and improved patient fatigue outcomes (OR 0.73; P < .01).

Study details: This meta-analysis of 35 studies included 18,246 patients diagnosed with BC who underwent surgery and were treated with HF or CF radiotherapy.

Disclosures: This study was supported by the Key Research and Development Projects of Shaanxi Province, China, and other sources. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Lu Y, Hui B, Yang D, et al. Efficacy and safety analysis of hypofractionated and conventional fractionated radiotherapy in postoperative breast cancer patients. BMC Cancer. 2024;24:181. doi: 10.1186/s12885-024-11918-2  Source

Key clinical point: Both hypofractionated (HF) and conventional fractionated (CF) radiotherapy were comparably effective in patients who had undergone surgery for breast cancer (BC); however, the HF vs CF regimen was more effective in reducing skin toxicity and relieving fatigue.

Major finding: CF vs HF radiotherapy demonstrated no significant improvement in terms of local recurrence (odds ratio [OR] 0.91; P  =  .30) or overall survival (OR 1.08; P  =  .28) outcomes. Although safety outcomes like breast pain, breast atrophy, lymphedema, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, telangiectasia, and cardiotoxicity were comparable in both groups, HF vs CF regimen led to lower skin toxicity (OR 0.43; P < .01) and improved patient fatigue outcomes (OR 0.73; P < .01).

Study details: This meta-analysis of 35 studies included 18,246 patients diagnosed with BC who underwent surgery and were treated with HF or CF radiotherapy.

Disclosures: This study was supported by the Key Research and Development Projects of Shaanxi Province, China, and other sources. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Lu Y, Hui B, Yang D, et al. Efficacy and safety analysis of hypofractionated and conventional fractionated radiotherapy in postoperative breast cancer patients. BMC Cancer. 2024;24:181. doi: 10.1186/s12885-024-11918-2  Source

Key clinical point: Both hypofractionated (HF) and conventional fractionated (CF) radiotherapy were comparably effective in patients who had undergone surgery for breast cancer (BC); however, the HF vs CF regimen was more effective in reducing skin toxicity and relieving fatigue.

Major finding: CF vs HF radiotherapy demonstrated no significant improvement in terms of local recurrence (odds ratio [OR] 0.91; P  =  .30) or overall survival (OR 1.08; P  =  .28) outcomes. Although safety outcomes like breast pain, breast atrophy, lymphedema, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, telangiectasia, and cardiotoxicity were comparable in both groups, HF vs CF regimen led to lower skin toxicity (OR 0.43; P < .01) and improved patient fatigue outcomes (OR 0.73; P < .01).

Study details: This meta-analysis of 35 studies included 18,246 patients diagnosed with BC who underwent surgery and were treated with HF or CF radiotherapy.

Disclosures: This study was supported by the Key Research and Development Projects of Shaanxi Province, China, and other sources. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.

Source: Lu Y, Hui B, Yang D, et al. Efficacy and safety analysis of hypofractionated and conventional fractionated radiotherapy in postoperative breast cancer patients. BMC Cancer. 2024;24:181. doi: 10.1186/s12885-024-11918-2  Source