A RECENT analysis of the SENSCIS and SENSCIS-ON trials has demonstrated that nintedanib effectively slows the decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) among patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). This finding underscores the progressive nature of SSc-ILD and highlights nintedanib’s potential in long-term disease management.
SSc-ILD is a frequent and severe manifestation of systemic sclerosis, leading to diminished lung function and increased mortality. Monitoring FVC over time serves as a critical measure of disease progression. The SENSCIS trial initially randomized patients to receive either nintedanib or placebo, while its extension, SENSCIS-ON, provided open-label nintedanib to all participants. This structure allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of nintedanib’s long-term efficacy.
In the SENSCIS trial, patients administered nintedanib experienced a mean FVC decline of 41.5 mL over 52 weeks. Upon continuing nintedanib in the SENSCIS-ON extension, the mean FVC decline over the subsequent 52 weeks was 58.3 mL. Conversely, patients initially on placebo exhibited a mean FVC decline of 96.8 mL during the SENSCIS trial. After switching to nintedanib in SENSCIS-ON, their mean FVC decline reduced to 42.8 mL over the following 52 weeks.
These results indicate that nintedanib not only slows the progression of lung function decline in SSc-ILD patients but also benefits those transitioning from placebo to active treatment. The consistent reduction in FVC decline across both patient groups emphasizes nintedanib’s role in managing SSc-ILD over the long term.
For healthcare professionals treating SSc-ILD, these findings offer valuable insights into therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving lung function and improving patient outcomes.
Reference: Distler O et al. Trajectories of forced vital capacity in patients with systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease. Arthritis Res Ther. 2025;27(63).
Anaya Malik | AMJ
