Multiple Sclerosis: Tyndall A

Comi G, Kappos L, Clanet M, Ebers G, Fassas A, Fazekas F, Filippi M, Hartung HP, Hertenstein B, Karussis D, Martino G, Tyndall A, van der Meché FG. · Multiple Sclerosis Centre, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy. · J Neurol. · Pubmed #10896270 No free full text.

Abstract: Recent reports suggest the possible beneficial effects of haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The definition of the risk/benefit ratio for such a treatment is perceived as a major issue for the neurological community worldwide. The First Consensus Conference on Bone Marrow Transplantation in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis was held in Milan, Italy on 21 February 1998. Participants from 16 European, North American, and South American countries discussed the guidelines for performing HSCT in MS. This conference was organized in order to: (a) define criteria for patient selection; (b) define transplantation procedures to maximize efficacy of the treatment and minimize its toxicity; (c) standardize patient outcome evaluation; and (d) establish an international working group to evaluate the efficacy and safety of HSCT in MS and to study the immunological changes related to HSCT in MS patients. During the meeting in Milan agreement was reached on: (a) the preparation and distribution of a consensus report on HSCT in MS and (b) the design of an open trial for an initial assessment of the safety and efficacy of HSCT in MS. The consensus reached during the meeting and the design of the clinical trial are summarized in this contribution.

Hügle T, Gratzl S, Daikeler T, Frey D, Tyndall A, Walker UA. · Felix Platter Spital, Basel University Department of Rheumatology, Switzerland. · Ann Rheum Dis. · Pubmed #18203763 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To describe and analyse the manifestation of sclerosing skin disorders in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). CASE REPORTS: We describe three patients with relapsing-remitting MS who developed skin sclerosis while receiving interferon (IFN)-beta treatment and review nine further cases of systemic sclerosis (SSc) in MS from the literature. Of all 12 patients reported, eight had limited cutaneous SSc, three had diffuse cutaneous SSc and one patient had an antisynthetase syndrome. Localised scleroderma such as morphoea was not described. The mean age at diagnosis was 25.2 years for MS (range 12 to 51) and 38.3 years for SSc (range 16 to 66). Eleven patients developed SSc after the onset of MS and manifested with skin sclerosis after a mean of 14.9 years (range 1 to 45). In five patients IFN-beta was commenced before the development of skin sclerosis (mean 4.6 years, range 1 to 8 years). There was no relationship between the onset of skin sclerosis and MS activity. With the exception of one individual, all patients had antinuclear antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerosing skin disorders may develop in the course of MS. The relatively early age of SSc onset in patients with MS suggests a genetic predisposition and/or an IFN-associated trigger.

Passweg J, Tyndall A. · Division of Hematology, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. · Semin Hematol. · Pubmed #17961728 No free full text.

Abstract: Since 1996, approximately 1,000 patients have received an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) as treatment for a severe autoimmune disease (AD). The European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Autoimmune Disease Working Party have registered more than 800 patients and works in close collaboration with networks in the United States where several hundred more AD patients have been similarly transplanted. The majority of ADs were multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and immune cytopenias. Many patients have experienced long-term disease-free remissions and immune reconstitution studies have shown in some cases that a "resetting" of autoimmunity is possible. The initially high treatment-related mortality (TRM) is reduced significantly in the later years, and the phase I/II experience is now being verified in several international prospective randomized clinical trials. In addition, the past several years have seen a growing interest in the role and potential therapeutic application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in the immunomodulation of AD, as in the early experience with acute-graft-versus host disease (GvHD).

Dazzi F, van Laar JM, Cope A, Tyndall A. · Stem Cell Biology Section, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, London, UK. · Arthritis Res Ther. · Pubmed #17367542 links to  free full text

Abstract: Cell therapy, pioneered for the treatment of malignancies in the form of bone marrow transplantation, has subsequently been tested and successfully employed in autoimmune diseases. Autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has become a curative option for conditions with very poor prognosis such as severe forms of scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, and lupus, in which targeted therapies have little or no effect. The refinement of the conditioning regimens has virtually eliminated transplant-related mortality, thus making HSCT a relatively safe choice. Although HSCT remains a nonspecific approach, the knowledge gained in this field has led to the identification of new avenues. In fact, it has become evident that the therapeutic efficacy of HSCT cannot merely be the consequence of a high-dose immuno-suppression, but rather the result of a resetting of the abnormal immune regulation underlying autoimmune conditions. The identification of professional and nonprofessional immunosuppressive cells and their biological properties is generating a huge interest for their clinical exploitation. Regulatory T cells, found abnormal in several autoimmune diseases, have been proposed as central to achieve long-term remissions. Mesenchymal stem cells of bone marrow origin have more recently been shown not only to be able to differentiate into multiple tissues, but also to exert a potent antiproliferative effect that results in the inhibition of immune responses and prolonged survival of haemopoietic stem cells. All of these potential resources clearly need to be investigated at the preclinical level but support a great deal of enthusiasm for cell therapy of autoimmune diseases.

van Laar JM, Tyndall A. · Department of Rheumatology, University of Basel, Felix Platter Spital, Burgfelderstrasse 101, Basel 4012, Switzerland. · Rheumatology (Oxford). · Pubmed #16777856 links to  free full text

Abstract: During the past 10 yrs, over 700 patients suffering from severe autoimmune disease (AD) have received an autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant as treatment of their disorder with durable remission being obtained in around one-third. The most commonly transplanted ADs have been systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. A fewer number of patients have received an allogeneic transplant. The initially reported overall treatment-related mortality of 7% has since fallen, with no further cases being reported in systemic sclerosis or multiple sclerosis in the past 3 yrs. This is thought to be due to more careful patient selection.The phase I/II data has led to currently running prospective randomised trials in systemic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus in Europe and North America. Immune reconstitution data suggests a 'resetting' of autoimmunity in those patients achieving stable remission, rather than simply prolonged immunosuppression. Recent results from in vitro experiments, animal models and early human experience in severe acute graft vs host disease suggest that multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells obtained from the bone marrow and expanded ex vivo, may exert a clinically useful immunomodulatory effect. Such cells are immune privileged and apparently of low toxicity. Further characterization of these cells and consideration of their possible clinical application in AD is underway.

Kötter I, Daikeler T, Amberger C, Tyndall A, Kanz L. · University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine II (Oncology, Hematology, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pulmology), Tubingen, Germany. · Clin Nephrol. · Pubmed #16370165 No free full text.

Abstract: AIMS: Autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (autoPBSCT) is increasingly and successfully applied to patients with treatment-resistant autoimmune diseases, mainly multiple sclerosis and systemic sclerosis, but also juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. We intended to analyze the effects of autoPBSCT in patients with treatment-resistant systemic vasculitis by analyzing the outcome of 4 patients from our own hospital, and comparing them to cases reported in the literature. METHODS: 4 patients with treatment-resistant vasculitis (Wegener granulomatosis, Churg Strauss syndrome, Takayasu arteritis and relapsing polychondritis) received an autologous PBSCT. Stem cell mobilization was performed with cyclophosphamide (CY) and G-CSF, stem cells were purged by positively selecting CD34+ stem cells over a CliniMacs device, and the conditioning was performed with high dose CY and anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG). RESULTS: AutoPBSCT was well tolerated in all 4 patients. The patient with WG achieved complete remission although cANCA persisted, the other patients are in good partial remissions and respond to maintenance treatments which had been ineffective before PBSCT (CSA, azathioprin). Glucocorticosteroids (GC) could be reduced to a maximum of 10 mg in all patients. Shortly after the procedure, reactivation of viruses from the herpes family occurred in 3 of the patients and had to be treated. In the data base, 25 patients transplanted for severe systemic vasculitis are registered, in the literature, 6 additional vasculitis patients remitting after autoPBSCT are reported. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous PBSCT is feasible and effective in severe, treatment-resistant forms of systemic vasculitis. Data are sparse, further prospective studies are needed. These should also aim at evaluating more optimal regimens for conditioning and purging during PBSCT, as in most of the vasculitis patients reported until now, mostly good partial remissions, but less complete remissions were achieved.

Tyndall A, Daikeler T. · Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland. · Acta Haematol. · Pubmed #16269864 No free full text.

Abstract: Ten years have passed since the first published consensus statement on the use of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the treatment of severe autoimmune disease (AD) appeared. During that time, around 700 patients suffering from severe AD have undergone HSCT in the frame of phase I/II clinical trials from over 20 countries including the US. The majority have received an autologous HSCT using one of a limited number of regimens, consistent with the original consensus statement. Long-term drug-free remissions, remission then relapse, no response and treatment-related mortality (TRM) were seen in all the subgroups of AD. An overall TRM of 7% was observed, with marked variation between ADs, i.e. 11% in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and only 1 patient in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Phase III prospective, comparative randomized trials are running or being planned in multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), SLE and RA. Basic science programs are also being undertaken to study the immunological mechanisms underlying the clinical events observed.

Tyndall A, Saccardi R. · Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Basle, Basle, Switzerland. · Clin Exp Immunol. · Pubmed #15958063 links to  free full text

Abstract: Around 700 patients have received an autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) as treatment for a severe autoimmune disease (AD). The majority of these have been within the context of phase I/II clinical trials and following international guidelines proposed 7 years ago. In general, a positive benefit/risk ratio has led to phase III prospective randomized controlled trials in multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Europe. In the US, similar trials are being planned for SSc, MS and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Transplant related mortality (TRM) has fallen in all disease subgroups since the inception due to more appropriate patient selection, and so far a clear advantage of the more intense myeloablative regimens in terms of remission induction and relapse rate has not emerged. Although each AD has a different profile, over a third of patients have sustained a durable remission, often with no further need for immunosuppressive drugs. In those who relapsed, many responded to agents which pre transplant had been ineffective. The study of immune reconstitution and gene expression pre and post HSCT is being undertaken to further understand the mechanism of autoimmunity.

Tyndall A, Koike T. · Department of Rheumatology, University of Basel, Switzerland. · Intern Med. · Pubmed #12211526 links to  free full text

Abstract: In the past 5 years approximately 500 patients worldwide suffering from severe autoimmune disease (AD) have received an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as treatment following high-dose chemotherapy. The EBMT and EULAR data base contains 370 registrations, the most frequently transplanted ADs being multiple sclerosis (MS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Around 70% responded initially well, with durable remission/stabilization seen more frequently in MS and SSc than in RA and SLE, the latter having around 2/3 relapses, the majority of which respond to simple agents. Overall 8% transplant-related mortality was seen with large inter AD differences (12.5% in SSc and only one patient in RA) probably reflecting the degree of vital organ involvement at the time of transplant. This phase I/II data has led to a running phase III randomized trial in SSc called the Autologous Stem cell Transplantation International Scleroderma (ASTIS) trial, and it will soon begin in MS (ASTIMS) and RA (ASTIRA). The concept of immunological "re-setting" has evolved, and needs to be confirmed by longer follow-up and the multicentre, international phase III randomized studies.

Gratwohl A, Passweg J, Gerber I, Tyndall A, Anonymous00036. · Division of Haematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital Basel, Switzerland. · Best Pract Res Clin Haematol. · Pubmed #11924920 No free full text.

Abstract: Much progress has been made in the field of haemopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs) for severe autoimmune disorders. Theoretical considerations, animal data and anecdotal evidence suggested some time ago that intensive immunoablation followed by autologous HSCT could restore normal immune reactivity in patients with severe autoimmune disorders. Based on a concept statement issued in 1995, two European societies, the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) began collecting phase I/II trial data in an international collaborative network. Sufficient information from more than 350 patients allows a preliminary assessment with level three evidence. Autologous HSCTs can induce remissions in all disease categories tested so far. Remissions can be transient or durable. HSCTs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment-related mortality (TRM) is near 10% at 1 year and is associated with the intensity of the conditioning and the stage of the disease at the time of transplant. Marked interdisease differences exist. There are few data available in haematological autoimmune diseases, more in systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Patient selection has been recognized as a crucial element from the phase I-II trials. Patients with advanced disease, severely compromised organ function or irreversible organ damage should not be considered as candidates for HSCT. Prospective randomized studies should now determine the value of HSCT compared to standard therapy. Such trials are ongoing for patients with systemic sclerosis (ASTIS trial--Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation International Scleroderma Trial) or are planned for patients with multiple sclerosis (ASTIMS trial--Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation International Multiple Sclerosis Trial) and rheumatoid arthritis (ASTIRA trial--Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation International Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial). More phase II data are needed for other indications such as SLE and JIA.

Tyndall A, Anonymous00326. · Department of Rheumatology, University of Basel, Switzerland. · J Rheumatol Suppl. · Pubmed #11642506 No free full text.

Abstract: In 1996 an international collaboration began to explore the use of immunoablation and stem cell rescue in the treatment of severe autoimmune disease. Around 500 patients have been so treated according to consensus guidelines, the majority being registered in the combined European League Against Rheumatism and European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EULAR/EBMT) data registry. Results in terms of toxicity and benefit are different in the different autoimmune diseases, e.g., for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) a low transplant related mortality (TRM) of one patient out of 43 but high relapse rate (around two-thirds), whereas for systemic sclerosis (SSc) a higher TRM (12%) but less relapse. More aggressive immunoablative regimes were associated with more procedure related toxicity, but so far a clear therapeutic advantage has not been demonstrated. An overall actuarial TRM of 9% was observed. Randomized, prospective controlled phase III trials have begun in SSc and will soon commence in RA and multiple sclerosis. More phase I and II data are required for systemic lupus erythematosus and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Tyndall A, Gratwohl A. · Department of Rheumatology, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland. · Arthritis Res. · Pubmed #11094441 links to  free full text

Abstract: In the past 5 years, around 350 patients have received haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation for an autoimmune disease, with 275 of these registered in an international data base in Basel under the auspices of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation(EBMT). Most patients had either a progressive form of multiple sclerosis (MS; n = 88) or scleroderma (now called systemic sclerosis; n = 55). Other diseases were rheumatoid arthritis (Ra n = 40), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA; n = 30), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; n = 20), idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP; n = 7) and others. The procedure-related mortality was around 9%, with between-disease differences, being higher in systemic sclerosis and JIA and lower in RA (one death only). Benefit has been seen in around two-thirds of cases. No one regimen was clearly superior to another, with a trend toward more infectious complications with more intense regimens. Prospective, controlled randomized trials are indicated and being planned.

Passweg J, Gratwohl A, Tyndall A. · Division of Hematology, Kantonsspital Basel, Switzerland. · Curr Opin Hematol. · Pubmed #10546794 No free full text.

Abstract: Autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for autoimmune disease has increased lately. Insights into response to immunoablation is found in animal experiments and reports on patients receiving HSCT for concomitant malignancy. Early phase II studies and case reports of HSCT in patients with multiple sclerosis, systemic sclerosis, lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile chronic arthritis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura have been published. Dramatic responses or disease stabilization have been observed in some, but failures and disease relapses, toxic and infectious complications have been observed in others. Whether this treatment can induce true peripheral immunologic tolerance, and which been observed if any patients will benefit long-term from HSCT, remains to be determined.

Fassas A, Passweg JR, Anagnostopoulos A, Kazis A, Kozak T, Havrdova E, Carreras E, Graus F, Kashyap A, Openshaw H, Schipperus M, Deconinck E, Mancardi G, Marmont A, Hansz J, Rabusin M, Zuazu Nagore FJ, Besalduch J, Dentamaro T, Fouillard L, Hertenstein B, La Nasa G, Musso M, Papineschi F, Rowe JM, Saccardi R, Steck A, Kappos L, Gratwohl A, Tyndall A, Samijn J, Samign J, Anonymous00147. · George Papanicolaou General Hospital, Dpt. Hematology, 57010 Thessaloniki, Greece. · J Neurol. · Pubmed #12195460 No free full text.

Abstract: RATIONALE: Phase I/II studies of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for multiple sclerosis ( MS) were initiated, based on results of experimental transplantation in animal models of multiple sclerosis and clinical observations in patients treated concomitantly for malignant disease. PATIENTS: Eighty-five patients with progressive MS were treated with autologous HSCT in 20 centers and reported to the autoimmune disease working party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT). 52 (61 %) were female, median age was 39 [20-58] years. The median interval from diagnosis to transplant was 7 [1-26] years. Patients suffered from severe disease with a median EDSS score of 6.5 [4.5-8.5]. Active disease prior to transplant was documented in 79 of 82 evaluable cases. RESULTS: The stem cell source was bone marrow in 6 and peripheral blood in 79, and stem cells were mobilized into peripheral blood using either cyclophosphamide combined with growth factors or growth factors alone. Three patients experienced transient neurological complications during the mobilization phase. The high dose regimen included combination chemotherapy, with or without anti-lymphocyte antibodies or, with or without, total body irradiation. The stem cell transplants were purged of lymphocytes in 52 patients. Median follow-up was 16 [3-59] months. There were 7 deaths, 5 due to toxicity and infectious complications, 2 with neurological deterioration. The risk of death of any cause at 3 years was 10 (+/-7)% (95 % confidence interval). Neurological deterioration during transplant was observed in 22 patients; this was transient in most but was associated with MS progression in 6 patients. Neurological improvement by > or = 1 point in the EDSS score was seen in 18 (21 %) patients. Confirmed progression-free survival was 74 (+/-12)% at 3 years being 66 (+/-23)% in patients with primary progressive MS but higher in patients with secondary progressive or relapsing-remitting MS, 78 (+/-13)%; p = 0.59. The probability of confirmed disease progression was 20 (+/-11)%. MRI data were available in 78 patients before transplant showing disease activity (gadolinium enhancing, new or enlarging lesions) in 33 %. Posttransplant MRI showed activity at any time in 5/61 (8 %) evaluable cases. CONCLUSION: Autologous HSCT suggest positive early results in the management of progressive MS and is feasible. These multicentre data suggest an association with significant mortality risks especially in some patient groups and are being utilised in the planning of future trials to reduce transplant related mortality.

Tyndall A, Gratwohl A. · Department of Rheumatology, University of Basel, Switzerland. · Curr Opin Hematol. · Pubmed #19465851 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review presents the recent results of a decade's experience with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for treating severe autoimmune disease, with special reference to new insights into pathophysiology. In addition, the newly evolving field of mesenchymal stem cell therapy of autoimmune disease is introduced. RECENT FINDINGS: Phase I/II studies in several major autoimmune disease have shown a satisfactory benefit risk ratio. Over one-third of patients achieve a durable remission with a treatment-related mortality of around 5%. Treatment-related mortality is less for some diseases (2% for multiple sclerosis). Phase III randomized controlled trials are advanced in systemic sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. In systemic sclerosis, data of the past 12 months suggest remodeling of collagen and normalization of microvasculature after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a new finding. Mesenchymal stem cells have shown promise in exerting an immediate anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory role in some autoimmune disease with little evidence of acute toxicity. SUMMARY: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe autoimmune disease has been shown to be feasible, and definitive phase III randomized trials are now in progress. Durable remission after immune reconstitution and tissue remodeling suggests an effect beyond profound immunosuppression. Mesenchymal stem cells show promise as immunomodulatory agents in autoimmune disease with low acute toxicity and no requirement for ablation of the recipient immune system.

Tyndall A, Uccelli A. · Department of Rheumatology, University of Basel, University Rheumatology Clinic, Basel, Switzerland. · Bone Marrow Transplant. · Pubmed #19308035 No free full text.

Abstract: MSCs, otherwise known as multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells, are being examined for the treatment of autoimmune disease (AD) on the basis of their in vitro antiproliferative properties, efficacy in animal models, apparent low acute toxicity and the early positive anecdotal outcomes in human acute GVHD. Phase I/II clinical trials are underway in Crohn's disease and multiple sclerosis (MS) and are being planned for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc), systemic vasculitis and other AD. Open issues include patient selection, disease stage and activity, MSC source and expansion and long-term safety. Multidisciplinary groups are collaborating to ensure maximal use of available resources to establish the place, if any, of MSC in the treatment of AD.

Kowal-Bielecka O, Landewé R, Avouac J, Chwiesko S, Miniati I, Czirjak L, Clements P, Denton C, Farge D, Fligelstone K, Földvari I, Furst DE, Müller-Ladner U, Seibold J, Silver RM, Takehara K, Toth BG, Tyndall A, Valentini G, van den Hoogen F, Wigley F, Zulian F, Matucci-Cerinic M, Anonymous00020. · Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland. · Ann Rheum Dis. · Pubmed #19147617 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: The optimal treatment of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a challenge because the pathogenesis of SSc is unclear and it is an uncommon and clinically heterogeneous disease affecting multiple organ systems. The aim of the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Scleroderma Trials and Research group (EUSTAR) was to develop evidence-based, consensus-derived recommendations for the treatment of SSc. METHODS: To obtain and maintain a high level of intrinsic quality and comparability of this approach, EULAR standard operating procedures were followed. The task force comprised 18 SSc experts from Europe, the USA and Japan, two SSc patients and three fellows for literature research. The preliminary set of research questions concerning SSc treatment was provided by 74 EUSTAR centres. RESULTS: Based on discussion of the clinical research evidence from published literature, and combining this with current expert opinion and clinical experience, 14 recommendations for the treatment of SSc were formulated. The final set includes the following recommendations: three on SSc-related digital vasculopathy (Raynaud's phenomenon and ulcers); four on SSc-related pulmonary arterial hypertension; three on SSc-related gastrointestinal involvement; two on scleroderma renal crisis; one on SSc-related interstitial lung disease and one on skin involvement. Experts also formulated several questions for a future research agenda. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based, consensus-derived recommendations are useful for rheumatologists to help guide treatment for patients with SSc. These recommendations may also help to define directions for future clinical research in SSc.

Saccardi R, Kozak T, Bocelli-Tyndall C, Fassas A, Kazis A, Havrdova E, Carreras E, Saiz A, Löwenberg B, te Boekhorst PA, Gualandio F, Openshaw H, Longo G, Pagliai F, Massacesi L, Deconink E, Ouyang J, Nagore FJ, Besalduch J, Lisukov IA, Bonini A, Merelli E, Slavino S, Gratwohl A, Passweg J, Tyndall A, Steck AJ, Andolina M, Capobianco M, Martin JL, Lugaresi A, Meucci G, Sáez RA, Clark RE, Fernandez MN, Fouillard L, Herstenstein B, Koza V, Cocco E, Baurmann H, Mancardi GL, Anonymous00211. · BMT Unit Department of Hematology, Ospedale di Careggi, Florence, Italy. · Mult Scler. · Pubmed #17263012 No free full text.

Abstract: Over the last decade, hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT) has been increasingly used in the treatment of severe progressive autoimmune diseases. We report a retrospective survey of 183 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, recorded in the database of the European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group (EBMT). Transplant data were available from 178 patients who received an autologous graft. Overall, transplant related mortality (TRM) was 5.3% and was restricted to the period 1995-2000, with no further TRM reported since then. Busulphan-based regimens were significantly associated with TRM. Clinical status at the time of transplant and transplant techniques showed some correlations with toxicity. No toxic deaths were reported among the 53 patients treated with the BEAM (carmustine, etoposide, cytosine-arabinoside, melphalan)/antithymocyte globulin (ATG) regimen without graft manipulation, irrespective of their clinical condition at the time of the transplant. Improvement or stabilization of neurological conditions occurred in 63% of patients at a median follow-up of 41.7 months, and was not associated with the intensity of the conditioning regimen. In this large series, HSCT was shown as a promising procedure to slow down progression in a subset of patients affected by severe, progressive MS; the safety and feasibility of the procedure can be significantly improved by appropriate patient selection and choice of transplant regimen.

Saccardi R, Tyndall A, Coghlan G, Denton C, Edan G, Emdin M, Farge D, Fassas A, Finke J, Furst D, Lassus M, Mancardi G, Miniati I, Mini E, Pagliai F, Passweg J, Pignone A, van Laar JM, Bocelli-Tyndall C, Matucci-Cerinic M. · Haematology Unit, University of Florence, Italy. · Bone Marrow Transplant. · Pubmed #15517007 No free full text.

Abstract: Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is now a feasible and effective treatment for selected patients with severe autoimmune diseases. Worldwide, over 650 patients have been transplanted in the context of phase I and II clinical trials. The results are encouraging enough to begin randomised phase III trials. However, as predicted, significant transplant-related morbidity and mortality have been observed. This is primarily due to complications related to either the stage of the disease at transplant or due to infections. The number of deaths related to cardiac toxicity is low. However, caution is required when cyclophosphamide or anthracyclines such as mitoxantrone are used in patients with a possible underlying heart damage, for example, systemic sclerosis patients. In November 2002, a meeting was held in Florence, bringing together a number of experts in various fields, including rheumatology, cardiology, neurology, pharmacology and transplantation medicine. The object of the meeting was to analyse existing data, both published or available, in the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation autoimmune disease database, and to propose a safe approach to such patients. A full cardiological assessment before and during the transplant emerged as the major recommendation.

Tyndall A, Passweg J, Gratwohl A. · Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland. · Ann Rheum Dis. · Pubmed #11406528 links to  free full text

Abstract: An international meeting took place in Basel, Switzerland from 5 to 7 October 2000 involving 180 participants from 30 countries, with the aim of assessing the existing data on autologous haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in the treatment of severe autoimmune disease, and to decide on future trial planning. Data on 390 patients were presented: 260 from the EBMT/EULAR Basel European/Asian database, 87 from North America (55 from the IBMTR), 39 from Australia, and 4 others. The major disease categories and number of patients receiving transplant were: multiple sclerosis (MS) 127, systemic sclerosis (SSc) 72, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 70, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) 36, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 34, dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM) 5, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) 7. Single or several cases of other autoimmune diseases were reported. Clinically significant responses were seen in two thirds of all the cases and in all disease categories, with a more accentuated trend towards relapse in JIA and RA.Treatment was associated with a significant morbidity and mortality. In the EULAR/EBMT database (71 centres in 22 countries), a mobilisation associated mortality of 1.5% and an overall procedure related mortality (actuarially adjusted at 12 months) of 9% (confidence interval 6 to 12%) were found, with significant variation between diseases. The North American data showed similar results. Higher mortalities were seen in SSc and systemic JIA, with only one death reported in RA. After presentation of the data and workshop discussion a consensus was reached on several aspects: prospective randomised phase III trials are now appropriate in SSc, MS, and RA. A protocol is ready for SSc (ASTIS Trial), concepts are clear for MS and RA. Further phase I and II data are required in SLE, JIA, and vasculitis. The need for continuing collection of all cases after mobilisation by the standardised EBMT and IBMTR data forms was emphasised.