Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec™) in the treatment of diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: results of a 24-month open label, extension phase, single-centre trial

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the long-term safety and tolerability of imatinib in diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).

METHODS: In this open-label, single-arm, extension-phase clinical trial, patients continued imatinib for 24 months following 12 months of initial treatment.

RESULTS: Seventeen patients were enrolled. Forty of 92 adverse events (AE) and 0/6 serious (S) AEs were possibly related to medication. The MRSS decreased from a median of 21 to 16, (p=0.002).

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates long-term safety and tolerability of imatinib in a substantial proportion of patients with dcSSc. This is important in evaluating the relevance of this therapy in a chronic disease such as SSc.