Improvement in Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus After Twenty Weeks of Belimumab Use: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Objective Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), with or without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), can be debilitating and cause psychological distress. Belimumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits B cell activation, is a Federal Drug Administration–approved SLE medication, but less is known on its use in CLE. Moreover, the time to response after starting belimumab in CLE is unknown, which may lead to premature discontinuation in the absence of early perceivable benefits. Thus, the objectives of this meta‐analysis were to examine the efficacy of belimumab, as well as the time to response after starting belimumab in patients with CLE with or without SLE. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed to include studies that examined clinical response in patients with CLE with or without SLE receiving belimumab. A clinical response at 52 weeks in belimumab users versus nonusers was summarized in a random‐effects model. Additionally, we calculated the pooled odds ratio (OR) for each consecutive 4‐week observation interval to identify time to a clinical response in CLE with or without SLE after starting belimumab. Results Among 747 screened studies, 14 were included. The pooled odds of clinical response at 52 weeks in belimumab users were 44% higher compared to nonusers (OR 1.44 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.20–1.74], I2 = 0%). A clinical response was first noted after 20 weeks of starting belimumab (OR 1.35 [95% CI 1.01–1.81], I2 = 0%), with a sustained clinical response through 1 year. Conclusion The findings support belimumab as an effective therapy for CLE with SLE. Likewise, the findings inform patient counseling regarding estimates of 20 weeks to achieve a response.