Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec™) in the treatment of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: results of a 24-month open label, extension phase, single-centre trial

CER7133
2014 Vol.32, N°6 ,Suppl.86
PI 0189, PF 0193
Treatment

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PMID: 25152211 [PubMed]

Received: 23/11/2013
Accepted : 19/03/2014
In Press: 15/08/2014
Published: 05/11/2014

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:
We aimed to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of imatinib in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).
METHODS:
In this open-label, single-arm, extension-phase clinical trial, patients continued imatinib for 24 months following 12 months of initial treatment.
RESULTS:
Seventeen patients were enrolled. Forty of 92 adverse events (AE) and 0/6 serious (S) AEs were possibly related to medication. The MRSS decreased from a median of 21 to 16, (p=0.002).
CONCLUSIONS:
This study demonstrates long-term safety and tolerability of imatinib in a substantial proportion of patients with dcSSc. This is important in evaluating the relevance of this therapy in a chronic disease such as SSc.