Clinical trial of raltegravir, an integrase inhibitor, in HAM/TSP
Abstract
Objective: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1)-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) is a chronic, progressive myelopathy. A high proviral load (PVL) is one of the main risk factors for HAM/TSP. Recently, it was shown that raltegravir could inhibit cell-free and cell-to-cell transmission of HTLV-1 in vitro. Given the substantial clinical experience in human immunodeficiency virus infection and its excellent safety profile, this agent may be an attractive therapeutic option for HAM/TSP patients.
Methods: Sixteen subjects with HAM/TSP received raltegravir 400 mg orally twice daily in an initial 6-month treatment phase, followed by a 9-month post-treatment phase. HTLV-1 PVLs were assessed using droplet digital PCR from the PBMCs every 3 months, and from the CSF at baseline, month 6, and month 15. We also evaluated the ability of raltegravir to regulate abnormal immune responses in HAM/TSP patients.
Results: While a downward trend was observed in PBMC and/or CSF PVLs of some patients, raltegravir overall did not have any impact on the PVL in this HAM/TSP patient cohort. Clinically, all patients' neurological scores and objective measurements remained relatively stable, with some expected variability. Immunologic studies showed alterations in the immune profiles of a subset of patients including decreased CD4+ CD25+ T cells and spontaneous lymphoproliferation.
Interpretation: Raltegravir was generally well tolerated in this HAM/TSP patient cohort. A…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence.
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