Considerations for Ruxolitinib Therapy in Steroid-Refractory cGVHD
Panelists discuss how clinicians typically taper steroids slowly after starting second-line agents for chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD).
Steroid Tapering with Second-Line Therapy
This detailed segment covers approaches to steroid tapering when initiating second-line therapy. The panelists agree on:
- Waiting 3-4 weeks after starting a new agent (like ruxolitinib) before beginning steroid taper
- Prioritizing steroid discontinuation before tapering other agents
- Tapering steroids by approximately 10mg every 4 weeks, slowing the taper at lower doses
- Very gradual tapering of ruxolitinib once steroids are discontinued, sometimes using alternate-day dosing
Dr Lee notes that at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, they taper ruxolitinib more slowly than the prescribing information recommends, sometimes tapering to 5 mg several days per week before complete discontinuation.
Ruxolitinib Effective as Second-Line Therapy for Chronic GvHD
July 15th 2021In an interview with Targeted Oncology, Stephanie Lee, MD, MPH, reviewed the updated data from the REACH3 trial along with the efficacy of ruxolitinib in the greater chronic graft versus host disease population.
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Clinical Treatment Act Aims to Improve Survival, Close Racial Health Care Gap
June 28th 2021Across the United States, the health insurance coverage gap continues to impact millions of patients who are largely low-income or are racial minorities. After years of lobbying, Congress has passed the Clinical Treatment Act, which is legislation designed to improve access to health coverage.
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