Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-mediated Polymyalgia Rheumatica Versus Primary Polymyalgia Rheumatica: Comparison of Disease Characteristics and Treatment Requirement

Overview

Journal Rheumatology (Oxford)

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Rheumatology

Date 2024 Feb 9

PMID 38335930

Authors

Olof C B Vermeulen

Elisabeth Brouwer

Riemer H J A Slart

Maria Sandovici

Abraham Rutgers

T Jeroen Hilterman

Birgitta Hiddinga

Sjoukje F Oosting

Mathilde Jalving

Albert H de Heij

Daan G Knapen

Geke A P Hospers

Kornelis S M van der Geest

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: To compare clinical characteristics, imaging findings and treatment requirements of patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated polymyalgia rheumatica (ICI-PMR) and primary PMR.

Methods: This single centre, retrospective cohort study compared ICI-PMR in patients with cancer (n = 15) to patients with primary PMR (n = 37). A comparison was made between clinical symptoms, laboratory markers, ultrasonography, 18F-FDG-PET/CT findings and treatment requirements related to PMR.

Results: Patients with ICI-PMR less frequently fulfilled the EULAR/ACR classification criteria for PMR (66.7%) than patients with primary PMR (97.3%). Morning stiffness, weight loss and elevation of the ESR were less frequently seen in patients with ICI-PMR. No differences were observed regarding the presence of inflammatory lesions on ultrasound of the shoulders and hips between the two groups. The Leuven and the Leuven/Groningen 18F-FDG-PET/CT scores were significantly lower in the ICI-PMR group. Finally, the ICI-PMR group could be managed with lower glucocorticoid doses than the primary PMR group, while this treatment could be discontinued more quickly.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that ICI-PMR may have a milder course with less intense inflammation than primary PMR. ICI-PMR can be managed with a relatively low glucocorticoid dose. Our study underscores that ICI-PMR should be regarded as a PMR-like syndrome.

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Comment on: Immune checkpoint inhibitor-mediated polymyalgia rheumatica versus primary polymyalgia rheumatica: comparison of disease characteristics and treatment requirement. Reply.

van der Geest K, Sandovici M, Rutgers A, Rutgers A, Brouwer E Rheumatology (Oxford). 2024; 64(2):902-903.

PMID: 38741187 PMC: 11781569. DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keae261.

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