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Determination of the Relative Potency of an Anti-TNF Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) by Neutralizing TNF Using an In Vitro Bioanalytical Method
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Skin lesions and treatment with tumor necrosis factor alpha antagonists

Maria Victoria Hernández1, Melina Meineri, Raimon Sanmartí

  • 1Unidad de Artritis, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España. mvhernan@clinic.ub.es

Reumatologia Clinica
|July 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Biological therapies targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are increasingly used for inflammatory arthropathies. A review highlights that these treatments can cause various skin lesions, including immune-mediated conditions, necessitating careful monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Biological therapies targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are widely used for inflammatory arthropathies.
  • Initial safety assessments focused on infection and malignancy risks.
  • Emerging evidence indicates a significant incidence of skin lesions associated with anti-TNF therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comprehensively review and describe the spectrum of skin lesions associated with anti-TNF drug treatment.
  • To highlight the skin as a key target organ for anti-TNF drug side effects.
  • To categorize the morphology and etiology of drug-induced cutaneous conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Extensive literature review of published studies on anti-TNF therapies and dermatological side effects.
  • Analysis of case reports and clinical studies detailing skin manifestations.
  • Classification of reported skin lesions based on clinical presentation and presumed etiology.

Main Results:

  • Anti-TNF antagonists are associated with a wide array of cutaneous adverse events.
  • These include lesions directly related to drug administration and a broad spectrum of immune-mediated dermatoses.
  • Cutaneous immune-mediated conditions represent an emergent and significant phenomenon in patients receiving anti-TNF treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Skin lesions are a common and important side effect of anti-TNF therapy.
  • Healthcare providers should be vigilant in monitoring for and managing dermatological complications.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and optimize the management of anti-TNF-induced skin conditions.

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