Efficacy of bortezomib in reduction of systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index score: A meta-analysis

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by the production of auto-antibodies against nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens, which can affect multiple organs. To date, no meta-analysis has reported the efficacy of bortezomib in SLE. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy of bortezomib in patients with SLE. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese BioMedical databases for articles published before 18 August 2021 to identify all studies relevant to SLE. The following were our inclusion criteria: (1) written in all languages, (2) bortezomib administration in patients with SLE and, (3) a clear description of SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores. Following were the exclusion criteria: (1) duplicate publications (the most recent article was included for analysis)and, (2) animal experiments, case reports, meeting reports, and reviews. The pooled data were analysed using a fixed- or random-effects model, depending on heterogeneity (determined using the I-2 index). Results: Three articles that described 29 patients were included in this study. The forest plot showed a positive association between bortezomib therapy and SLE based on analysis of SLEDAI scores, with an odds ratio of 11.30 (95% confidence interval 7.03-15.56, p < .00001). Conclusion: Bortezomib treatment can reduce the SLEDAI scores in patients with SLE, which suggests the usefulness of this therapeutic approach for SLE.