November 10, 2018Open Access
View Full PaperLow-Dose Methotrexate for the Prevention of Atherosclerotic Events
Key Points
- The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose methotrexate in preventing cardiovascular events in patients with stable atherosclerosis.
- Randomized trial design
- Participants received either low-dose methotrexate or placebo
- Followed cardiovascular event rates and inflammatory marker levels
- Low-dose methotrexate did not significantly lower interleukin-1β or interleukin-6 levels (p>0.05)
- C-reactive protein levels remained unchanged (p>0.05)
- Cardiovascular event rates were similar to placebo with no statistically significant difference (p>0.05)
Abstract
Among patients with stable atherosclerosis, low-dose methotrexate did not reduce levels of interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, or C-reactive protein and did not result in fewer cardiovascular events than placebo. (Funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; CIRT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01594333.).
Expert Takes4 quotes
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“The results from CIRT and CANTOS, when considered together, tell us something critically important: Not all inflammation is the same, and not all drugs that target inflammation are the same. While it is disappointing that an inexpensive drug like methotrexate did not have the effects we previously saw in CANTOS, the results from CIRT shed crucial light on the underlying biology that connects inflammation with cardiovascular disease. The divergent trial results provide a clear roadmap to guide our efforts going forward.”
Paul Ridker, Director, Center for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Brigham and Women's HospitalBrigham and Women's Hospitalauto_pipelineView source