Clinical Trial: Anti-CD20 in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: An Open-Label Safety and Efficacy Study of an Anti-CD20 Antibody (Rituximab, Rituxan®) for Anti-B Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Brief Summary:

The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of rituximab (anti-CD20) in treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

White blood cells in the body called B cells give off substances that are active in promoting SLE disease. Researchers have found that anti-CD20 can block production of these substances in another disease. This study explores whether anti-CD20 will also be safe in people with SLE and whether it may be effective in treating SLE.


Detailed Summary:

B cells clearly play an essential role in the pathogenesis of SLE since they produce autoantibodies. Clinical observations support the contention that intervening in the production of autoantibodies by the B lymphocyte will be effective therapy. Current approved therapy for B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma includes anti-CD20. The results of anti-CD20 administration in SLE are anticipated to be similar to those in lymphoma patients. The current proposal explores the mechanisms and applicability of B-cell depletion as a potential treatment for SLE.

Participants receive 4 weekly infusions of study medication. Each participant is enrolled in the study for a total of 1 year with protocol visits weekly for the first 3 months, then every other week for the next 2 months, every month for the next 4 months, and every other month for the remaining 5 months of the study (Weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 39, 47, and 55). Responses to exogenous antigens are measured; assessments for clinical response with SLE-disease activity score (SLEDEI) and systemic lupus activity measure (SLAM) score are performed. Participants complete a health questionnaire and a health survey and laboratory parameters are evaluated.


Sponsor: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Current Primary Outcome:

  • Serum Autoantibodies [ Time Frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 12, Week 24, Week 36 and Week 56 ]
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) [ Time Frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 7, Week 11, Week 15, Week 19, Week 27, Week 39 and Week 55 ]


Original Primary Outcome:

Current Secondary Outcome:

  • C3 and C4 complement levels
  • Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) [ Time Frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 7, Week 11, Week 15, Week 19, Week 27, Week 39 and Week 55 ]
  • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
  • Prednisone Dose [ Time Frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 12, Week 24, Week 36 and Week 56 ]
  • Renal Function
    Measured by creatinine clearance and total protein.
  • Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)
  • Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36)
  • Physician Global Assessment (VAS)
  • Patient Global Assessment (VAS)
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Damage Index for SLE
  • Adverse Events


Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)

Dates:
Date Received: May 10, 2002
Date Started: January 2001
Date Completion:
Last Updated: February 12, 2016
Last Verified: February 2016