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Investigating the potential side effects of anti-TNF therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: cause for concern?

Fabiola Atzeni1, Luigi Gianturco, Rossella Talotta

  • 1IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopedic Institute, Milan, Italy.

Immunotherapy
|April 29, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs, including upcoming biosimil versions, carry risks like infections and cardiovascular effects. Regular patient monitoring is essential to manage these adverse events effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pharmacology
  • Clinical Medicine

Background:

  • Five anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) drugs are clinically available, with biosimil versions imminent.
  • Anti-TNF therapies are used for various conditions but can cause adverse events.
  • Understanding these risks is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the adverse events associated with anti-TNF drugs.
  • To assess the impact of anti-TNF therapy on infection, malignancy, and cardiovascular risks.
  • To highlight the need for regular patient monitoring during anti-TNF treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of registry data and published studies on anti-TNF drug adverse events.
  • Analysis of risks including infections, malignancies, infusion reactions, autoimmunity, and cardiovascular effects.
  • Evaluation of antibody formation and lipid profile changes in patients on anti-TNF therapy.

Main Results:

  • Anti-TNF drugs show a slight increase in serious infections, particularly in the first six months.
  • No significant increase in cancer risk, except for nonmelanoma skin cancers, was observed.
  • While lipid levels rise, the atherogenic index remains stable, potentially mitigating cardiovascular disease risk.

Conclusions:

  • Patients on anti-TNF drugs require regular monitoring for adverse events.
  • The benefits of anti-TNF therapy must be weighed against potential risks.
  • Ongoing research and vigilance are necessary for optimizing anti-TNF drug use.
Keywords:
anti-TNF therapyautoimmunitycancerinfectionslipid profiles

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