Gene activity analysis has revealed similarities and differences between scleroderma and related lung cancer, a study reports. Similarities were related to enhanced immunity and weakened regulation of a cell’s life cycle, which suggested common mechanisms underlying the increased risk of lung…
Using a laptop, a computer-based machine learning tool was able to distinguish, with 95% accuracy, normal skin images from those collected from people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), a study demonstrated. This tool has the potential to rapidly diagnose SSc and to accurately classify the extent of…
CT scans show that Actemra (tocilizumab) can prevent lung disease in patients with systemic scleroderma if detected early enough, an analysis of Phase 3 trial data reported. These findings support the use of CT scans at…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Actemra (tocilizumab) to slow lung function decline in adults with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). “We are honored to offer the very first FDA-approved biologic treatment option to…
An elderly woman with scleroderma limited to her skin also developed the autoimmune disorder ANCA‐associated vasculitis (AAV), which led to nerve damage in her lower limbs, a case study described. The researchers recommended that patients with scleroderma who experience tingling…
African Americans with interstitial lung disease (ILD) caused by scleroderma (SSc-ILD) had largely similar outcomes compared to non‐African Americans in two clinical trials testing immunosuppressive therapies, according to an analysis. Because all trial participants received the same…
People with scleroderma who were treated with Tracleer (bosentan) to prevent digital ulcers — open sores on the fingers or toes — saw their risk of developing pulmonary hypertension (PH) lowered almost four times, a study found. The study, “…
Brain cancer associated with a viral infection was found in two people with scleroderma after doses of their immunosuppressive therapies were reduced, a case series reports. The findings suggest that either immunosuppression reduced viral clearance, leading to cancer, or removing such therapies…
The molecule lysyl oxidase (LOX) plays key roles in promoting skin and lung scarring in scleroderma and may serve as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for the disease, a study suggests. The study, “Lysyl Oxidase…
Treatment with abatacept led to a reduction in skin stiffening and disability, as well as better overall health, in people with early diffuse cutaneous scleroderma (dcSSc) who participated in the yearlong Phase 2 ASSET trial and its six-month extension, new 18-month data show.
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