Nintedanib Slows Lung Function Decline in Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis Cases

A recent study published in the Rheumatology Journal highlight the potential of nintedanib as a treatment strategy for cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) patients suffering from progressive fibrosing interstitial lung disease (ILD). By targeting the underlying cause of pulmonary fibrosis, nintedanib has demonstrated its ability to decelerate the decline in lung function in this patient population. 

Interstitial lung disease is a critical complication of systemic sclerosis, a rare autoimmune disorder, leading to severe breathing difficulties and reduced quality of life. The SENSCIS trial involved a randomized group of lcSSc patients with ILD who were either administered nintedanib or a placebo. Patients who completed this trial were then enrolled in the SENSCIS-ON study, where all participants received open-label nintedanib.

Results from the SENSCIS trial highlighted a significant difference in lung function decline between the groups. Over a span of 52 weeks, the rate of forced vital capacity (FVC) decline in the placebo group was recorded at -74.5 (S.E. 19.2) ml/year, while the nintedanib group showed a comparatively slower decline of -49.1 (S.E. 19.8) ml/year. This translated to a difference of 25.3 (95% CI -28.9, 79.6), favoring the nintedanib group.

Further analysis at the 52-week mark, involving 249 patients with data, illustrated a mean change in FVC of -86.4 (S.E. 21.1) ml in the placebo group and -39.1 (S.E. 22.2) ml in the nintedanib group.

Additionally, within the SENSCIS-ON study, which included 183 lcSSc patients, those who transitioned from placebo to nintedanib exhibited a mean change of -41.5 (S.E. 24.0) ml in FVC from baseline to week 52.

On the other hand, patients who remained on nintedanib throughout both trials showcased a mean change of -45.1 (S.E. 19.1) ml.

The positive outcomes observed in this study offer hope for patients and medical professionals grappling with this challenging condition. However, further research and long-term monitoring are crucial to fully understand nintedanib's effectiveness and safety profile in treating lcSSc-associated ILD.

Source:

Allanore, Y., Khanna, D., Smith, V., Aringer, M., Hoffmann-Vold, A.-M., Kuwana, M., Merkel, P. A., Stock, C., Sambevski, S., Denton, C. P., Bergna, M., Casado, G., Stevens, W., Thakkar, V., Troy, L., Loeffler-Ragg, J., … Olschewski, H. (2023). Effects of nintedanib in patients with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and interstitial lung disease. In Rheumatology. Oxford University Press (OUP). https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kead280