Rituximab plus methotrexate combination as a salvage therapy in persistently active granulomatosis with polyangiitis

Objective The aim of this study was to describe the efficacy and safety of rituximab and MTX (RTX/MTX) combination therapy in ANCA-associated vasculitides (AAV). Methods A retrospective French nationwide study was conducted in patients with AAV who received RTX/MTX combination therapy for persistently active disease. Results Seventeen patients were included. All patients had granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), with positive ANCA in 76% of them, mainly with PR3-ANCA specificity. Sixteen patients (94%) had priorly failed to achieve remission with RTX and 11 (65%) with CYC. Patients had experienced a median of 3 (2-4) flares. Manifestations requiring RTX/MTX combination therapy were subglottic or bronchial stenosis in 6 patients (35%), orbital mass in 6 (35%), disabling ENT involvement in 2 (12%), and epiduritis and pachymeningitis in 1 case (6%) each. The median follow-up duration for the RTX/MTX combination therapy was 11 months (11-26 months). At 6 months, global response had been achieved in 15 patients (88%), including partial response in 11 (65%) and complete response in 4 (24%). At last evaluation, global response had been achieved in 16 patients (94%). Seven patients (41%) experienced severe adverse events (grade 3 or 4), including infections in 4 (24%) and hepatitis in 2 (12%). Combination therapy was withdrawn in 4 patients (24%), but never for safety concerns. In contrast, the MTX dose was decreased in 2 patients (12%) because of adverse events. One patient died of an unknown cause. Conclusion RTX/MTX combination therapy could be an effective salvage therapy to treat persistently active GPA with granulomatous manifestations, with an acceptable safety profile.

Automated summary

The combination therapy of rituximab and methotrexate showed efficacy in treating persistently active GPA with granulomatous manifestations, with an acceptable safety profile. Seven patients experienced severe adverse events, but combination therapy was never withdrawn for safety concerns.