Behçet syndrome is a chronic systemic inflammatory disease. The disease is characterized by arterial and neurological damage, as well as ophthalmological complications. Vascular damage represents the main cause of death, particularly due to arterial aneurysms (aortic or pulmonary) and Budd-Chiari syndrome (obstruction of the veins). Until now, no trial has been able to demonstrate its effectiveness and tolerance by patients.
The phase II trial, ITAC (Induction Therapy With Anti-TNFα vs Cyclophosphamide in Severe Behçet Disease) was conducted in 21 centers across France and included patients aged 12 and over. In this trial, patients suffering from Behçet’s disease with significant vascular damage or damage to their central nervous system received, in addition to the usual corticosteroid therapy, infliximab (an antibody that binds to tumor necrosis factor human) or cyclophosphamide (anticancer molecule) intravenously. The combination of corticosteroid therapy and infliximab achieved a complete response at week 22 in 81% of patients, compared to 56% of patients who received standard treatment (corticotherapy with cyclophosphamide). In addition, the risk of relapse is reduced (16% vs 4%), with also fewer side effects (30% vs 64%).
The results of this trial show the benefit of combining corticosteroid therapy with infliximab in the treatment of severe central arterial and neurological damage of the disease. These very encouraging results could indeed modify the management if there is confirmation in the longer term.
To find out more: read the press release
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