Combination therapy may safely stabilize AAV-related lung disease

A combination of rituximab (sold as Rituxan and biosimilars) and low-dose glucocorticoids may safely stabilize interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), according to a small proof-of-concept study by researchers in Italy. After a year of this therapeutic regimen, the study’s participants saw a significant reduction…

People with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) are at a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, particularly bladder, blood, kidney, and skin cancers, according to a meta-analysis of published studies. Men with AAV had a significantly elevated risk — 2.1 times higher — while no such increase was observed in…

Tavneos (avacopan) plus a short course of glucocorticoids is as effective as glucocorticoids alone for treating rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), a severe kidney disease, in adults with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), a study reports. “At month 6, patients receiving [Tavneos] and transient or low doses of GCs [glucocorticoids] have…

Four proteins in the kidneys likely contribute to the development of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), and may be used as diagnostic markers and targets of potential therapies, a study found. The proteins — PDK4, PPARGC1A, FN1, and PSMB10 — are “novel biomarkers that may refine our understanding and management of AAV,”…

I’m a big fan of talk therapy. Always have been. I believe an outside person can offer perspective, honesty, support, and the chance for real healing. I’ve joked for years that every baby should have a “therapy trust fund” so that when they’re ready, they have the means to seek…

A greater disease burden and poorer physical quality of life were found for people with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) who test positive for self-reactive anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) against the myeloperoxidase (MPO) protein compared with EGPA patients who don’t have such autoantibodies. Those are the findings of a new…

“Energy is your capacity to keep moving forward.” — author, entrepreneur, and speaker Suneel Gupta For those of us living with a rare disease like ANCA vasculitis, this quote may resonate deeply. Energy, for us, is limited. It’s precious, often fleeting, and sometimes unpredictable. Yet the way we choose…

Treatment with Tavneos (avacopan) appeared to more effectively suppress organ damage — while also significantly lowering glucocorticoid dosages and associated adverse events — in people with ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), according to a real-world study in Japan. The study looked at the safety and effectiveness of glucocorticoids plus rituximab…

In ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV), about 1 in every 4 patients with glomerulonephritis, a type of kidney inflammation, have C3 immune protein deposits in their kidneys, and these are linked to more severe kidney problems, a study shows. These deposits didn’t appear to interfere with how long patients lived or…

When people ask about your bucket list, you probably think about travel, adventure, or experiences you’ve always wanted to have. But here’s something you might not have considered adding to the list: getting a medical second opinion, especially if you’re living with a rare disease. I’ve found it incredibly helpful.