RecruitingPhase 2NCT06998628

Pentoxifylline as Anti-Inflammatory in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Clinical Study Evaluating the Effect of Pentoxifylline as Anti Inflammatory in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sponsor

Tanta University

Enrollment

50 participants

Start Date

Jun 2, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Summary

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term inflammatory condition that leads to gradual damage of joints lined by synovial membranes, along with various potential effects outside of the joints. While RA can affect any joint, it typically involves the metacarpophalangeal, proximal interphalangeal, and metatarsophalangeal joints, as well as the wrists and knees. Symptoms related to the joints and surrounding tissues include swelling, tenderness upon touch, morning stiffness, and significant difficulty moving the affected joints

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 70 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests whether pentoxifylline — a medication commonly used to improve blood flow — can also reduce joint inflammation in people with active rheumatoid arthritis who are already on conventional disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) but still have poorly controlled symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis causes painful, swollen joints due to chronic inflammation, and researchers believe pentoxifylline's anti-inflammatory properties could provide additional benefit on top of existing treatment. **You may be eligible if...** - You are between 18 and 70 years old (any gender) - You have active rheumatoid arthritis with a DAS28 score above 2.6 (meaning your disease is not in remission) - You are currently taking conventional DMARDs such as methotrexate or hydroxychloroquine **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have had retinal (eye) or brain bleeding - You have significant kidney or liver dysfunction - You have a known allergy to pentoxifylline - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - You are currently taking biological therapies (like adalimumab) or targeted synthetic DMARDs (like JAK inhibitors) Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DRUGMethotrexate

Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapy agent and immune-system suppressant. It is used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and ectopic pregnancies. Types of cancers it is used for including breast cancer, leukemia, lung cancer, lymphoma, gestational trophoblastic disease, and osteosarcoma. Methotrexate is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

DRUGPentoxifylline

Pentoxifylline (also known as oxpentifylline) is a methylxanthine derivative with strong hemorrheologic effects. In the United States, it is primarily used to treat intermittent claudication. Studies in both humans and animals have demonstrated that pentoxifylline therapy induces various physiological changes at the cellular level