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Updated: Jun 29, 2025
06:35
An Immunohistopathologic Study to Profile the Folate Receptor Beta Macrophage and Vascular Immune Microenvironment in Giant Cell Arteritis
Published on: February 8, 2019
7.2K
Current Perspectives in Giant Cell Arteritis: Can We Better Connect Pathogenesis and Treatment?
Daniela Opriș-Belinski1,2, Claudia Oana Cobilinschi1,2, Ioana Săulescu1,2
1Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|March 28, 2024
Summary
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large-vessel vasculitis impacting older adults. Current treatments focus on glucocorticoids, but new therapies like abatacept and JAK inhibitors show promise for better management.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a serious large-vessel vasculitis primarily affecting the elderly.
- It targets the aorta and its branches, causing cranial and extracranial symptoms, including vision loss.
- Pathophysiology involves granulomatous inflammation leading to ischemic complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatment strategies for GCA, focusing on glucocorticoids (GCs) and emerging therapies.
- To discuss the challenges in optimizing GC dosage and tapering.
- To explore novel therapeutic targets and agents for GCA management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on GCA pathophysiology and treatment.
- Analysis of current clinical guidelines and research on GCA therapies.
- Discussion of emerging therapeutic agents and their mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Glucocorticoids (GCs) remain the cornerstone of GCA treatment for active lesions and flares.
- Methotrexate and tocilizumab are established corticosteroid-sparing agents, reducing GC burden and relapse rates.
- Newer agents including abatacept, Janus-kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and GM-CSF receptor inhibitors show potential.
Conclusions:
- Optimal GC dosing and tapering in GCA require further research.
- Established steroid-sparing agents like methotrexate and tocilizumab improve patient outcomes.
- Emerging therapies offer promising future directions for GCA treatment, potentially improving efficacy and reducing GC toxicity.
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