A randomised, open-label trial to assess the optimal treatment strategy in early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: the UPSIDE study protocol.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, autoimmune connective tissue disease associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Currently, there are several treatments available in early dcSSc that aim to change the disease course, including immunosuppressive agents and autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT has been adopted in international guidelines and is offered in current clinical care. However, optimal timing and patient selection for HSCT are still unclear. In particular, it is unclear whether HSCT should be positioned as upfront therapy or rescue treatment for patients refractory to immunosuppressive therapy. We hypothesise that upfront HSCT is superior and results in lower toxicity and lower lon

SUBMITTER: Spierings J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7978271 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature