Limited utility of rapamycin in severe, refractory Wegener's granulomatosis

Abstract

Objective. We report our experience using rapamycin in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) who failed to achieve remission with conventional treatment. Methods. Eight patients received rapamycin for severe, refractory WG. Clinical outcomes were reviewed retrospectively. Results. Four patients treated with rapamycin sustained remissions of at least 6 months' duration while receiving prednisone ≤ 10 mg/day; 2 relapsed during followup. Five patients discontinued rapamycin due to continued disease activity, cancer, or adverse events. Conclusion. Toxicities due to rapamycin were numerous; consistent proof of efficacy in this pilot experience with WG was not seen. The Journal of Rheumatology Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved.