M Hupé , G Bouguen , A Buisson , C Landman , M Uzzan , S Nancey , C Guillaume , G Cyrielle , M Charkaoui , M Serrero , A Wampach , M Collins , R Altwegg , F Cholet , A Amiot

Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, Volume 19, Issue Supplement_1, January 2025, Page i1338, https://doi.org/10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjae190.0858

Background: Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) with ADACOLUMN® (JIMRO Takasaki Japan) is an effective and safe therapeutic option for patients with mild to moderate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refractory to pharmacological therapy, especially ulcerative colitis (UC). The aim of this study was to report effectiveness of GMA in patients with IBD.

Methods: All consecutive active, non-operated UC patients and Crohn’s disease (CD) patients treated with GMA in 15 French tertiary-care centres from 2007 to september 2024 were assessed. Patients received 4 to 8 weekly sessions of GMA alone or in combination with previously failing advanced therapy. Patients were assessed for effectiveness at week 14 and at week 54 for those continuing GMA as maintenance therapy and at every visit for safety. Clinical remission, steroid-free clinical remission, clinical response, colectomy as well as safety were ascertained.

Results: One hundred and twenty-nine patients with IBD (75 males, median age: 40.9 IQR[29.3-58.1] years, 102 with UC, IBD duration: 7.0 [2.9-13.1] years) were included. One hundred patients (77.5%) were previously treated with immunosuppressants and 97 (72.2%) with at least one anti-TNF. In patients with UC, baseline median total Mayo score was 7 [6-12] and mean CRP level was 23.3 ± 86.0 mg/L. In patients with CD, baseline median Harvey-Bradshaw index was 9 [7.25-10.75] and mean CRP level was 21.9 ± 27.3 mg/L. In patients with UC, week 14 clinical remission, steroid-free clinical remission and response rates were 33.3%, 27.5% and 52.0%, respectively. In patients with CD, week 14 clinical remission, steroid-free clinical remission and response rates were 33.3%, 29.6% and 66.7%, respectively. At week 14, nine patients with UC and 3 patients with CD required emergent surgery. At week 14, adverse events were reported in 26 (20.2%) and were mainly related to flare of IBD in 16 (12.4%). Other adverse events which were never classified as serious included headache in 3, arthromyalgia in 3 and abdominal pain, diarrhea, grade-1 increase in liver enzymes and mild hypotension in one. At week 54, 48 patients were still treated with maintenance GMA therapy including 13 with CD and 35 with UC. At week 54, steroid-free clinical remission rates were 38.5% (5/13) in patients with CD and 60% (21/35) in patients with UC.

Conclusion: In this real world cohort of patients with refractory IBD, GMA induced steroid-free clinical remission in one third of patients with CD and UC at W14. In patients continuing GMA maintenance therapy, steroid-free clinical remission was observed in one third of patients with CD and two thirds of patients with UC. Safety profile was favourable mostly related to relapse of IBD.

Francisco José Fernández-Pérez ¹, Nuria Fernández-Moreno ², Estela Soria-López ², Francisco Javier Rodriguez-González ², Francisco José Fernández-Galeote ³, Ana Lifante-Oliva ⁴, Concepción Ruíz-Hernández ⁴, Elisabeth Escalante-Quijaite ⁴, Francisco Rivas-Ruiz ⁵

Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2024 Nov;47(9):502196. doi: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2024.502196. Epub 2024 May 6. (Article in Spanish)

Introduction: Granulocyte and monocyte adsorptive apheresis (GMA) removes neutrophils and monocytes from peripheral blood, preventing their incorporation into the inflamed tissue also influencing cytokine balance. Published therapeutic efficacy in ulcerative colitis (UC) is more consistent than in Crohn’s disease (CD). We assessed clinical efficacy of GMA in UC and CD 4 weeks after last induction session, at 3 and 12 months, sustained remission and corticosteroid-free remission.

Patients and method: Retrospective observational study of UC and CD patients treated with GMA. Partial Disease Activity Index-DAIp in UC and Harvey-Bradshaw Index-HBI in CD assessed efficacy of Adacolumn® with induction and optional maintenance sessions.

Results: We treated 87 patients (CD-25, UC-62), 87.3% corticosteroid-dependent (CSD), 42.5% refractory/intolerant to immunomodulators. In UC, remission and response were 32.2% and 19.3% after induction, 35.5% and 6.5% at 12 weeks and 29% and 6.5% at 52 weeks. In CD, remission rates were 60%, 52% and 40% respectively. In corticosteroid-dependent and refractory or intolerant to INM patients (UC-41, CD-14), 68.3% of UC achieved remission or response after induction, 51.2% at 12 weeks and 46.3% at 52 weeks, and 62.3%, 64.3% and 42.9% in CD. Maintained remission was achieved by 66.6% in CD and 53.1% in UC. Up to 74.5% of patients required corticosteroids at some timepoint. Corticosteroid-free response/remission was 17.7% in UC and 24% in CD.

Conclusions: GMA is a good therapeutic tool for both in UC and CD patients. In corticosteroid-dependent and refractory or intolerant to INM patients it avoids biological therapy or surgery in up to 40% of them in one year.

I Rodríguez-Lago, C Herrera-deGuise, M Boscá-Watts, C Rodríguez, E Leo, M Calvo, F Cañete, S Chacón, C Cuarán, A Elorza, E Guerra, E Iglesias, D Sánchez, M Barreiro-de Acosta, D Ginard, J L Cabriada Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis, Volume 18, Issue Supplement_1, January 2024, Page i1135, doi.org=10.1093/ecco-jcc/jjad212.0712

Background
Granulocyte–monocyte apheresis (GMA) selectively removes activated leukocytes and immune mediators, and it has shown to be safe and effective in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). Previous reports have also described its combination with biologics, mainly with anti-TNF.

Methods
The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of combining GMA after primary non-response (PNR) or loss of response (LOR) to ustekinumab (UST) in patients with UC. A retrospective, multicentric study was performed in 12 IBD Units, including all patients with refractory UC who received combined GMA plus UST. The number of GMA sessions, its frequency, filtered blood volume and time of each session were compiled, along with the clinical data. Efficacy was assessed 1 and 6 months after finishing the GMA by partial Mayo score, CRP and faecal calprotectin. Data regarding UST intensification, need for new immunomodulators/biologics and surgery were also compiled. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used in the statistical analysis.

Results
Nineteen patients were included (15 UC, 2 Crohn’s disease, 2 unclassified IBD; median age 48 years (IQR, 36-63); 68% male). At baseline, 78% were receiving steroids and 23% immunomodulators. Most patients (89%) had prior exposure to anti-TNF agents and 53% to vedolizumab. Baseline Mayo score was 6.5 (IQR, 5-7), with a median CRP of 9 mg/L (IQR, 4.8-20.8) and faecal calprotectin 1,612 mg/kg (IQR, 873-4,152). GMA was started mostly after PNR in 83%, the median number of GMA sessions was 16 (IQR, 11-27) and 50% of patients started maintenance GMA. Partial Mayo score significantly decreased 6 months after the last GMA session (p=0.019). During follow-up, 27% started a new biologic therapy and 13% required surgery. 64% of patients under steroids at baseline were able to stop them. Adverse events were reported in 5% of patients.

Conclusion
GMA can safely recapture the response to UST in refractory patients after PNR or LOR to this drug.

I. Rodríguez-Lago1, F. Cañete2, E. Guerra3, C. Herrera de Guise4, E. Iglesias-Flores5, E. Leo-Carnerero6, Y. Zabana7, M. Barreiro de Acosta8, D. Ginard Vicens9, J.L. Cabriada Nuño1

UEG journal 2023 SUPPLEMENT ABSTRACT UEG Week 2023 Poster Presentations 15 October 2023 page 1067

Introduction: Granulocyte–monocyte apheresis (GMA) selectively removes activated leukocytes and immune mediators, and it has shown to be safe and effective in treating ulcerative colitis (UC). Previous reports
have also described its combination with biologics.
Aims & Methods: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining GMA after primary non-response (PNR) or loss of response (LOR) to tofacitinib (TOFA) in patients with UC. A retrospective, multicentre study was performed in 7 IBD Units, including all patients with refractory UC who received combined plus GMA and TOFA. The number of GMA sessions, its frequency, filtered blood volume and length of each
session were compiled, along with the clinical data. Efficacy was assessed 1 and 6 months after finishing GMA by partial Mayo score, CRP and faecal calprotectin. Data regarding TOFA intensification, need for new immunomodulators/biologics and colectomy were also compiled. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used in the statistical analysis.

Results: Twelve patients with UC were included (median 46 years [IQR, 37-58]; 67% female; 67% E3; 75% non-smokers). Patients were receiving TOFA10 mg bid (75%), 5 mg bid (16%), or 15 mg bid (8%), with 33% receiving
steroids at baseline. All patients had prior exposure to anti-TNF agents, 42% to vedolizumab and 8% ustekinumab. Median baseline Mayo score was 7 (IQR, 5-7), median CRP of 11 mg/L (IQR, 5-32) and faecal calprotectin 800 mg/kg (IQ, 715-2,094). GMA was started mostly after PNR (73%), and the median number of GMA sessions was 11 (IQR, 3-20) and 50% received maintenance GMA. Partial Mayo score significantly decreased 1 month after the last GMA session (p=0.027). Four patients (36%) were switched to a new therapy and no patient required colectomy during follow-up. All patients under steroids at baseline were able to stop them. No patient reported adverse events related to the combination therapy.

Conclusion: Combination of GMA with TOFA can be an effective and safe therapy in selected cases of UC after PNR or LOR to this drug.

Satoshi Tanida

poster at ISFA 2019 pag 56

Background and Aim: A monotherapy with intensive GMA, biologics or a JAK inhibitor are limited in patients with intractable Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC). We retrospectively evaluated the 10- and 52-week efficacy and safety of combination therapy of intensive GMA with biologics or a JAK inhibitor for intractable UC or CD.
Method: A combination of intensive GMA (2 sessions a week, total 10 times) with tofacitinib (TOF) for active UC was performed and that of intensive GMA with ustekinumab (UST) for active CD was done. Results: Of 6 consecutive UC patients receiving a combination therapy of TOF (20 mg daily for 8 weeks as induction therapy and subsequently 10 mg daily) plus intensive GMA for moderately-to-severely active UC and loss of response to corticosteroids, azathioprine, and/ or biologic therapies, 67% (4 cases) displayed clinical remission according to Mayo score and 100% displayed mucosal healing at 10 weeks. A temporary increase in CPK were seen. Of 5 consecutive CD patients receiving a combination therapy of ustekinumab (every 8 weeks) plus intensive GMA for moderately-to-severely active CD and loss of response to corticosteroids, azathioprine, and/or biologic therapies, 75% displayed cumulative steroid-free clinical remission at 10 weeks and did such remission over 52 weeks under subsequent maintenance monotherapy of UST. The mean CDAI at baseline were 257. Its values at 10 and 52 weeks after the combination therapy with UST plus intensive GMA were 48 and 68, respectively. One case showed mucosal healing at 52 weeks according to SES-CD. No adverse events were observed. Conclusions: Combination therapy of intensive GMA with biologics or a JAK inhibitor appeared to be effective and safe for refractory UC or CD.

http://www.atalacia.com/isfa/data/abstract.pdf

Marta Velasco Rodríguez-Belvís ¹, Javier Francisco Viada Bris ¹, Laura Palomino Pérez ¹, Rosa Ana Muñoz Codoceo ¹ , inflamm Bowel Dis. 2019 Jun 18;25(7):e82-e83.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30698787/

Masahiro Iizuka ^1 2, Takeshi Etou ², Makoto Kumagai ³, Atsushi Matsuoka ³, Yuka Numata ³, Shiho Sagara ¹ , Intern Med. 2017 Oct 15;56(20):2705-2710.

Conclusion We confirmed that LI-CAP has therapeutic effects on reducing the dosage and discontinuing steroids in patients with steroid-dependent UC.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28924114/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5675930/pdf/1349-7235-56-2705.pdf

T Sagawa ¹, S Kakizaki ¹, T Tomizawa ¹, T Nakayama ¹, H Tanaka ¹, H Tojima ¹, K Sato ¹, M Kusano ², S Okamura ³, M Yamada ¹,Colorectal Dis. 2016 Jul;18(7):696-702. 

The faecal lactoferrin level is a useful biomarker of the mucosal findings in ulcerative colitis. Although endoscopy is the gold standard, the faecal lactoferrin level can be used as a biomarker during GMA therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26748553/

Yusuke Okuyama,Akira Andoh,Masakazu Nishishita,Ken Fukunaga,Koji Kamikozuru,Yoko Yokoyama,Yoshitaka Ueno,Shinji Tanaka,Hiroyuki Kuge,Syusaku Yoshikawa,Atsushi Sugahara,Emi Anami,Yoshinori Munetomo,Chiyuki Watanabe,Yoshihide Fujiyama &Takayuki Matsumoto Scand. J. Gastro. 2013, 48 (4), 412-418. https://doi.org/10.3109/00365521.2012.763175

Objective. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of leukocytapheresis (LCAP) and to investigate predictive factors for mucosal healing and a sustained clinical response in steroid-free and steroid-refractory patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Material and methods. Thirty-one steroid-free or steroid-refractory patients with active UC were enrolled. Five or ten consecutive sessions of LCAP were performed in each patient. The efficacy and tolerability was then evaluated at weeks 3 and 6. Endoscopic examination was performed at week 6 to evaluate the mucosal healing, and the sustained cumulative response rate was evaluated at 12 months. Results. At week 6, the mean Mayo clinical activity score had decreased significantly from 8.0 to 4.6 in the steroid-free patients and from 8.3 to 3.9 in the steroid-refractory patients. Rachmilewitz’s endoscopic index had also decreased significantly from 9.1 to 6.1 in the steroid-free patients and from 10.0 to 5.7 in the steroid-refractory patients. Forty-seven percent of the steroid-free patients and 33% of the steroid-refractory patients achieved mucosal healing. The peripheral platelet counts had decreased significantly at weeks 3 and 6 in the mucosal healing group, compared with the non-mucosal healing group. The patients with a more than 15% platelet reduction had a significantly higher cumulative response rate, compared with the patients without a platelet reduction (p = 0.015). Conclusions. LCAP is beneficial for the induction of mucosal healing in steroid-free and steroid-refractory patients with UC. The degree of platelet reduction during LCAP might be a predictive marker for mucosal healing and a sustained clinical response.

Multicenter prospective study for clinical and endoscopic efficacies of leukocytapheresis therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis – PubMed (nih.gov)

Multicenter prospective study for clinical and endoscopic efficacies of leukocytapheresis therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis: Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology: Vol 48, No 4 (tandfonline.com)

Ken Fukunaga ¹, Yoko Yokoyama, Koji Kamokozuru, Kazuko Nagase, Shiro Nakamura, Hiroto Miwa, Takayuki Matsumoto, Gut Liver. 2012 Oct;6(4):427-33.

Monthly GMA may potentially prevent UC relapse in patients who have achieved remission through weekly GMA, especially in patients on <20 mg/day PSL at the start of the maintenance therapy.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23170145/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3493721/pdf/gnl-6-427.pdf