First case of COVID-19 in a patient with multiple myeloma successfully treated with tocilizumab

Abstract

Key Points We report the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a multiple myeloma patient successfully treated with tocilizumab. Although tocilizumab was effective in the treatment of COVID-19 in this case, randomized controlled trials are needed.

The potential role of Th17 immune responses in coronavirus immunopathology and vaccine-induced immune enhancement

“…Although confirmatory studies have yet to be performed, IL-6 induced by the presence of coronaviruses in the lung appears to promote in susceptible hosts Th17 responses that may lead to severe lung pathology that includes eosinophilia. These findings potentially provide a rational basis for evaluating anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibodies as new therapies for COVID19 (10).…”

Case Study: A Patient with Asthma, Covid-19 Pneumonia and Cytokine Release Syndrome Treated with Corticosteroids and Tocilizumab

“…Small observational studies support the concept that tocilizumab may be an effective drug for patients with severe Covid-19 and respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation. (10,11) In a study of 21 patients with Covid-19-related ARDS who received tocilizumab, the ICU mortality was less than 5%, all surviving patients became apyrexial within 72 h, pulmonary infiltrates on follow-up CT scan improved in 90%, hypoxaemia resolved in the majority and 90.5% of patients were discharged from the ICU after a median of 13.5 days. (12) A large randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of tocilizumab plus standard of care in hospitalised adult patients with severe Covid-19 pneumonia and ARDS has been being initiated.…”

SARS-CoV-2 Inflammatory Syndrome. Clinical Features and Rationale for Immunological Treatment

“…In some case series, anti-IL6 therapy was successful in stabilizing the alveolar capillary membrane, reducing alveolar wall edema, and preventing/reversing ARDS [41][42][43][44], shortening the intensive care unit stay [45,46]. The currently available reagents that can neutralize IL-6 activity are the humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) Tocilizumab, and the fully human mAb Sarilumab.…”