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Couch, Steven M.

Mayo Clinic

Washington University in St. Louis

Citations 8

Efficacy and Safety of Teprotumumab in Patients With Thyroid Eye Disease of Long Duration and Low Disease Activity
Couch, Steven M., Wester, Sara T. , Fowler, Brian , Liu, Catherine Y., Subramanian, Prem S. , Tang, Rosa A. , Nguyen, Quang T., Maamari, Robi N. , Karon, M , Douglas, Raymond S , Karon, Michael , Nguyen, Quang T, Ugradar, Shoaib , Hsu, Kate, Stan, Marius N.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism | November 5, 2023 | Volume: 109 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 25-35

10.1210/clinem/dgad637 Get It

AbstractContextEarly inflammatory thyroid eye disease (TED) can lead to symptomatic chronic disease, including disabling proptosis. Teprotumumab, an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) inhibitor, previously demonstrated efficacy in acute, high-inflammation TED trials.ObjectiveWe present data from the first placebo-controlled trial with teprotumumab in chronic/low disease activity TED.MethodsThis randomized double-masked, placebo-controlled trial, conducted at 11 US centers, enrolled adult participants with TED duration of 2 to 10 years, Clinical Activity Score (CAS) ≤ 1 or no additional inflammation or progression in proptosis/diplopia for ≥1 year, proptosis ≥3 mm from before TED and/or from normal, euthyroid/mildly hypo/hyperthyroid, no prior teprotumumab, and no steroids within 3 weeks of baseline. Patients received (2:1) intravenous teprotumumab or placebo once every 3 weeks (total 8 infusions). The primary endpoint was proptosis (mm) improvement at Week 24. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed.ResultsA total of 62 (42 teprotumumab and 20 placebo) patients were randomized. At Week 24, least squares mean (SE) proptosis improvement was greater with teprotumumab (−2.41 [0.228]) than with placebo (−0.92 [0.323]), difference −1.48 (95% CI −2.28, −0.69; P = .0004). Proportions of patients with AEs were similar between groups. Hyperglycemia was reported in 6 (15%) vs 2 (10%) and hearing impairment in 9 (22%) vs 2 (10%) with teprotumumab and placebo, respectively. AEs led to discontinuation in 1 teprotumumab (left ear conductive hearing loss with congenital anomaly) and 1 placebo patient (infusion-related). There were no deaths.ConclusionTeprotumumab significantly improved proptosis vs placebo in longstanding/low inflammation TED, demonstrating efficacy regardless of disease duration/activity. The safety profile was comparable to that previously reported.
SAT455 A Randomized, Quadruple-masked, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter Trial To Evaluate The Efficacy And Safety Of Teprotumumab In Patients With Chronic (Inactive/Low CAS) Thyroid Eye Disease
Couch, Steven M., Wester, Sara T. , Fowler, Brian , Liu, Catherine , Tang, Rosa A. , Nguyen, Quang T., Karon, M , Douglas, Raymond S , Subramanian, Prem S. , Nguyen, Quang T, Hsu, Kate, Karon, Michael, Stan, Marius N.

Journal of the Endocrine Society | October 5, 2023 | Volume: 7 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1210/jendso/bvad114.1930 Get It

Abstract Disclosure: R.S. Douglas: Consulting Fee; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc, Immunovant, Viridian. S. Couch: None. S.T. Wester: Advisory Board Member; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. Consulting Fee; Self; Immunovant, Sling. B. Fowler: Consulting Fee; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. C. Liu: Other; Self; Walter Kluwer Health. P. Subramanian: Consulting Fee; Self; Gensight, Horizon Therapeutics plc, Viridian. R. Tang: Consulting Fee; Self; Viridian, Alexion, Valenza. Research Investigator; Self; Viridian, Horizon Therapeutics plc, Novartis, Immunovant, Vasaragen. Speaker; Self; Serono Speaker Journal Club. Q.T. Nguyen: None. K. Hsu: Employee; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. Stock Owner; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. M. Karon: Employee; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. Stock Owner; Self; Horizon Therapeutics plc. M.N. Stan: Consulting Fee; Self; Immunovant, Horizon Therapeutics plc, Sling, Genentech, ArgenX. Background: Thyroid eye disease (TED) is characterized by expansion of peri- and retro-orbital fat and muscle, often resulting in disfiguring proptosis (eye-bulging) and diplopia (double vision) which may persist chronically. Teprotumumab, an inhibitor of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, demonstrated improvements in proptosis, diplopia, inflammation and quality of life in clinical trials in patients with TED history of short duration (6-13 months), and active disease (clinical activity score [CAS] ≥4). In a published study of 31 patients with CAS≤3 and TED duration >2 years, teprotumumab reduced proptosis, diplopia and inflammation.1 We have undertaken the first randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled trial to evaluate teprotumumab in patients with chronic/inactive/low CAS TED. The trial has completed randomization with results available in May 2023. Here we report characteristics of the randomized patients. Methods: The trial (NCT04583735) is being conducted in 11 centers in the United States. Key inclusion criteria were age≥18 years, TED duration ≥2 years but <10 years and CAS≤1 in both eyes, ≥3mm proptosis from baseline and/normal for sex and race, or no progression in proptosis or diplopia or new inflammatory symptoms in the preceding year. Patients must have been euthyroid or mildly hypo/hyperthyroid, and not require surgical intervention through the trial. Patients could not have received teprotumumab previously, or steroids within 3 weeks before screening. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive 8 infusions of teprotumumab (10 mg/kg for the first infusion and 20 mg/kg for the remaining 7 infusions) or PBO once every 3 weeks. The primary endpoint is improvement in proptosis (mm) as compared with PBO from baseline at Week 24. Other endpoints include percentage of proptosis responders (improvement of ≥2mm), diplopia responders (improvement of ≥1 grade in diplopia on the Bahn-Gorman scale, 0-3), and improvement in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy- Quality of Life (GO-QoL), all at Week 24. Adverse events (AE) and AE of special interest will be reported. Results: 62 patients were randomized. 80.6% are female, mean (SD) age was 48.7 (14.94) years. 54.8% are White, 24.2 %, Black or African American, and 12.9%, Asian. Mean (SD) TED duration was 5.2 (1.77) years. 87.1% are never/former smokers. At baseline, mean (SD) proptosis in the study eye was 24.4 (2.94) mm, and mean (SD) CAS was 0.4 (0.49). 27.4% had binocular diplopia with a mean diplopia score of 2. The mean overall GO-QoL score was 63.9 indicating similar disutility as observed in the acute trial population (previously published). Results from this 24-week trial will be presented. Conclusions: Despite a long duration of TED and low “activity”, patients enrolled in this trial have high levels of proptosis and impaired quality of life at baseline. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023
OR27-04 Efficacy And Safety Results From The Randomized, Placebo-controlled Multicenter Trial With Teprotumumab In Chronic-Low Clinical Activity Score Thyroid Eye Disease Patients
Couch, Steven M., Wester, Sara T. , Fowler, Brian , Liu, Catherine , Tang, Rosa A. , Nguyen, Quang T., Maamari, Robi N. , Karon, M , Douglas, Raymond S , Subramanian, Prem S. , Nguyen, Quang T, Hsu, Kate, Karon, Michael, Stan, Marius N.

Journal of the Endocrine Society | October 5, 2023 | Volume: 7 | Issue: Supplement_1 | Pages: No page available

10.1210/jendso/bvad114.2055 Get It

Abstract Disclosure: R.S. Douglas: Consulting Fee; Self; Horizon, Immunovant, Viridian. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. S. Couch: Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. S.T. Wester: Advisory Board Member; Self; Horizon. Consulting Fee; Self; Immunovant, Sling. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. B.T. Fowler: Consulting Fee; Self; Horizon. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. C. Liu: Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. Other; Self; Royalties from Wolters-Kluwer. P. Subramanian: Consulting Fee; Self; Horizon, Gensight, Viridian. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. R. Tang: Consulting Fee; Self; Viridian, Alexion, Valenza. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon, Viridian, Novartis, Immunovant, Vasaragen. Speaker; Self; Serono Journal Club. Q.T. Nguyen: Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. R.N. Maamari: Research Investigator; Self; Horizon. K. Hsu: Employee; Self; Horizon. Stock Owner; Self; Horizon. M. Karon: Employee; Self; Horizon. Stock Owner; Self; Horizon. M. Stan: Consulting Fee; Self; Septerna Inc, Third Rock Ventures LLC, Genentech, MedicXi Ventures, ArgenX US Inc, Tourmaline Bio, Lassen Therapeutics, Ortho Clinical Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare, Tolmar Inc, OSE, Immunotherapeutics, Roivant Sciences. Research Investigator; Self; Horizon, Immunovant, ValenzaBio, Sling Therapeutics. Background: Early inflammatory thyroid eye disease (TED) gives way to chronic disease which may lead to long-term disfiguring proptosis (eye-bulging). Teprotumumab, an IGF-1 receptor inhibitor, significantly improved signs and symptoms of newly diagnosed TED (6-13 months) with active disease (clinical activity score [CAS] ≥4) in prior studies. We present data from the first randomized, placebo (PBO)-controlled trial (NCT04583735) with teprotumumab in chronic/low CAS TED, where disease has not regressed. Methods: Pts met all following criteria: ≥18 yrs, TED 2-10 yrs, inactive disease or >1 yr without progression in proptosis/diplopia/new symptoms, baseline (BL) CAS≤1, increased proptosis ≥3mm before TED or from normal, euthyroid/mildly hypo/hyperthyroid, no prior teprotumumab and no steroids within 3 wks of screen. Pts received teprotumumab or PBO once every 3 wks for 21 wks. Primary endpoint was improvement in proptosis(mm) from BL at Wk 24 vs PBO. Secondarily proptosis responders (≥2mm improvement), diplopia responders (≥1 grade improvement on Gorman scale 0-3) with resolved diplopia (grade 0) and improvement in Graves’ Ophthalmopathy-QoL (GO-QoL) visual function (VF) and appearance (AP) subscales were assessed. Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAE) and AEs of special interest are reported. Study was solely sized/powered for proptosis. Results: 62 pts were randomized 2:1 (ITT, teprotumumab:42; PBO:20), 80.6% were female, mean(SD) age was 48.7(14.94) yrs. Mean(SD) TED duration was 5.2(1.8) yrs. 87.1% were never/former smokers. At BL, mean(SD) proptosis was 24.4(2.94) mm, mean CAS was 0.4, and 29% (teprotumumab, n=14, PBO, n=4) had diplopia with a mean score ∼2. 93%(39) of teprotumumab pts completed the study. At Wk 24, proptosis improvements from BL were significantly greater in the teprotumumab group [2.41 (0.228) mm] vs PBO [0.92(0.323) mm], P<.001. Proptosis response was observed in 26/42 (62%) of teprotumumab pts vs 5/20 (25%) of PBO, P=.01. Diplopia improvement was observed in 6/14 (43%) teprotumumab pts with resolved diplopia in 4(29%) vs 2/4(50%) in PBO and 1(25%) resolved. Significantly greater improvement from BL was observed on GO-QoL-VF for teprotumumab (8.73) vs PBO (2.41), P=.03. Change from BL on AP was 10.03 vs 7.19, P= .65. TEAEs proportions were similar: 33/41(80.5%) of teprotumumab, and 16/20(80%) of PBO pts. Hyperglycemia was reported in 6(15%) vs 2(10%) and hearing impairment in 9(22%) vs 2(10%), respectively. There were two AE discontinuations: teprotumumab (left ear conductive hearing loss with congenital anomaly) and PBO (infusion related). Conclusions: For the first time in pts with longstanding TED and low CAS/inflammation, a medical therapy, teprotumumab, produced significant improvement in proptosis as compared with PBO supporting its use regardless of TED duration or activity. The safety profile was comparable to that previously reported. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Alemtuzumab-Induced Thyroid Eye Disease: A Comprehensive Case Series and Review of the Literature
Nirmalan, Aravindh, Blecher, Nathanael, Hyder, Sayyada, Couch, Steven M., Godfrey, Kyle J. , Wagner, Lilly H. , Tooley, Andrea A. , Stan, Marius N. , Bradley, Elizabeth A.

Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery | March 9, 2023 | Volume: 39 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 470-474

10.1097/iop.0000000000002367 Get It

Purpose: To present 5 cases of alemtuzumab-induced thyroid eye disease (AI-TED) and review the literature to highlight the natural history, severity, and outcomes as compared with conventional thyroid eye disease (TED). Methods: A multi-institutional retrospective case series of patients with AI-TED was compiled. Chart review evaluated for clinical characteristics, imaging findings, and treatment for AI-TED. Additionally, a comprehensive review of the literature identified all previously published cases of AI-TED. Results: Five new patients with AI-TED were included in this series. The average clinical activity score on presentation was 2.8 (range 1–4) and reached an average peak of 5.0 during the active phase of the disease (4–7). Patients were treated medically with selenium (40%) or monoclonal antibodies including teprotumumab or tocilizumab (40%). Surgical treatment with orbital decompression for compressive optic neuropathy was performed on 2 (40%) patients. Combined with 11 previously reported cases, these 16 patients with AI-TED had an average clinical activity score on presentation of 3.3. The average length of the AI-TED phase was 14.0 months, and all patients were treated with medical and/or surgical interventions for their disease. Conclusions: Clinical and imaging findings in AI-TED mirror that of conventional TED, however, AI-TED may present with greater severity. AI-TED may develop many months after Graves’ disease; therefore, providers should be aware of this association and monitor patients for the development of severe TED.
Inverted Papilloma of the Orbit and Nasolacrimal System
Wang, Jessie , Ford, Joshua , Esmaeli, Bita , Langer, Paul D. , Esmaili, Neda, Griepentrog, Gregory J. , Couch, Steven M., Nguyen, John , Gold, Katherine G., Duerksen, Kathleen M., Burkat, Cat N., Hartstein, Morris E., Gandhi, Parag, Sobel, Rachel K. , Moon, Jee‐Young , Barmettler, Anne

Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery | June 5, 2020 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 161-167

10.1097/iop.0000000000001719 Get It

Purpose: Periocular inverted papilloma (IP) is a rare, locally aggressive tumor with a propensity for recurrence and malignant transformation. Historically treated via wide excision, this study examines the characteristics and management of periocular IP, comparing those confined to the nasolacrimal system with those invading the orbit. Methods: An Institutional Review Board-approved, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant retrospective, comparative case series was conducted in patients with IP of the orbit or nasolacrimal system across 15 clinical sites. Results: Of 25 patients, 22 met inclusion criteria with 9 limited to the nasolacrimal system and 13 invading the orbit. Mean age was 60.4 years, 55% were women, all were unilateral. Mean follow-up was 48 months. Rates of smoking, dust and/or aerosol exposure, human papillomavirus (HPV) status, and inflammatory polyps were elevated compared to rates in the general population (45%, 18%, 18%, and 14%, respectively). Bony erosion on computed tomography scans was statistically significantly associated with orbit-invading IP (p = 0.002). Treatment involved all confined IP undergoing surgery alone while 39% of orbit-invading IP also received radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy (p = 0.054). Orbit-invading IP was more likely to be excised with wide margins than IP confined to the nasolacrimal system (85% vs. 22%, p = 0.007). Overall rates of malignancy, recurrence, and patient mortality from IP were found to be 27%, 23%, and 9%, respectively. Conclusions: IP invading the orbit typically requires aggressive therapy, while IP confined to the nasolacrimal system may be treated more conservatively. Using risk factors, characteristics, and outcomes, a treatment algorithm was created to guide management.
Carcinoid Tumors of the Orbit and Ocular Adnexa
Mustak, Hamzah , Liu, Wenjing , Murta, Fabíola, Ozgur, Omar, Couch, Steven M., Garrity, James, Shinder, Roman, Kazim, Michael, Callahan, Alison B. , Hayek, Brent , Esmaeli, Bita , Rootman, Daniel B. , Kim, Hee‐Joon , Yu, Fei , Rose, Geoffrey Edward

Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery | June 3, 2020 | Volume: 37 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 217-225

10.1097/iop.0000000000001715 Get It

Purpose: Well-differentiated neuroendocrine or carcinoid tumors are found most commonly in the gastrointestinal tract. When metastatic to the orbit, they tend to have a propensity for the extraocular muscles. The purpose of this study was to better understand the diversity in presentation of orbital carcinoid disease and to determine predictors for survival. Methods: In this observational cross-sectional cohort study, data from 8 tertiary orbital practices were compiled. Demographic, clinical, pathologic, American Joint Committee on Cancer stage and grade, imaging, and management data were extracted for all the patients. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Subgroups were compared utilizing analysis of variance analyses and Kaplan–Meier curves. Time to progression and disease-specific and overall mortality were calculated. Comparisons were performed for the following a priori pairs: unknown versus known primary tumor, single versus multiple extraocular muscle involvement, unilateral versus bilateral orbital disease, extraocular muscle versus other orbital involvement, and excisional versus incisional surgery. Results: A total of 28 patients with carcinoid tumors of the orbit were identified. Of these, 57.1% of patients were female, the mean age at diagnosis of the primary tumor was 58.8 years and the mean age at diagnosis of orbital disease was 62.6 years. At primary presentation, all patients were American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III or IV and 21.4% demonstrated carcinoid syndrome. Muscle involvement was noted in 78.6% of patients, and of these, 72% were noted to have single muscle disease. Eight patients had no primary tumor identified; 3 of these 8 demonstrated disseminated disease at the time of diagnosis. The overall 5-year survival rate was 81.8% from diagnosis of primary tumor and 50% from diagnosis of orbital disease. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients with unilateral orbital disease when compared with bilateral orbital disease had a longer progression-free survival and time to death from all causes ( p = 0.025). Patients with disease localized to the orbit at presentation had longer time to death than those with disseminated disease. Treatment with surgery, radiation, or octreotide did not appear to affect survival. Patients managed with systemic chemotherapy had a shorter time of survival than the rest of the group. All other subgroup comparisons were not found to be statistically significant. Conclusions: Neuroendocrine tumors of the orbit represent a wide spectrum of disease, with some cases being part of disseminated disease, while others being localized presentations. This heterogeneity may be responsible for the slightly higher overall survival in these patients than others with metastatic carcinoid tumors in other locations.
Review of Combination Therapies for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Couch, Steven M., Bakri, Sophie J.

Seminars in Ophthalmology | May 24, 2011 | Volume: 26 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 114-120

10.3109/08820538.2011.577130 Get It