CLL and Psoriatic Arthritis

[garrick66]

I am currently on W&W. but also have mild psoriasis with Psoriatic arthritis getting worse. I was taking Humira for years which could be partly why I got the CLL at 50 years old, but who knows. I stopped Humira after being dx in 2015. I don't think I can or want to get on another biologic drug that suppresses the immune system, I'm curious if there ae any members with arthritis that are taking something for it...? I understand Acalabrutinib is being tested for Rhumitoid arthritis so maybe if I can hold out until its approved I will be able to kill two birds with one drug. Then again I think acalabrutinib may only get approved for second line therapy, not first line.

[mariemascio]

Hi Garrick

I don't have answers to your questions… I just wanted to say that I also have psoriasis (plaque only, no arthritis) and an early SLL/CLL dx at 46. I never needed biologics for my P, but I do associate the lymphoma with having a genetic autoimmune disease since I was a child. So, as you say, who knows. One of the first things my oncologist told me is that CLL treatment alleviates P symptoms, but she didn't go into more detail. Very best to you for managing these two unenviable conditions <3

- Marie

[Cynthianna in reply to mariemascio]

My Rheumatologist said that 4-6 weeks of Rituxan for CLL should give me a 30-40% improvement in my back and joint pain. He said the dose of Rituxan is much higher than the monoclonal antibodies prescribed for PsA and therefore effective on both conditions. For the 1st time in a long time, I have hope.

[garrick66 in reply to Cynthianna]

thanks for the reply..Dr Sharman said the same thing. I wonder if Gazyva would do the same ? isn't that a monoclonal antibody like rituximab only better. I wonder how long it would keep the PSA at bay.