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Published on: May 16, 2025
Therapeutic strategies in preclinical stages of rheumatoid arthritis
Nils Schulz1, Uwe Lange2, Philipp Klemm2
1Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology, Osteology and Physical Medicine, Campus Kerckhoff, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Bad Nauheim, Germany. n.schulz@kerckhoff-klinik.de
Abstract:
Modern therapies and treatment algorithms, such as the treat‑to‑target strategy, have significantly improved outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over the past decades. Moreover, the concept of the "window of opportunity" has led to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. Nevertheless, progressive disease remains a significant clinical issue and socioeconomic burden, which warrants investigation of novel strategies. One of such innovative therapies is primary prevention: treating patients at risk for developing RA for a short period of time to prevent the disease before it occurs. The initiation of treatment in preclinical phases of RA is expected to delay, halt, or even prevent the disease onset or progression in the long term. This review summarizes this new concept, discusses current studies including an overview of therapeutic algorithms and findings, and provides a critical evaluation of pharmacologic approach in the preclinical stages of RA.
Insights
Primary prevention strategies aim to treat individuals at risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before disease onset. Early intervention in preclinical RA may delay or prevent disease progression, offering a novel therapeutic approach.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment has advanced with strategies like "treat-to-target."
- Despite progress, RA remains a significant clinical and socioeconomic challenge.
- The "window of opportunity" concept aids early RA diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the concept of primary prevention for rheumatoid arthritis.
- To discuss current therapeutic strategies and findings in preclinical RA.
- To critically evaluate pharmacologic interventions for preclinical RA.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of primary prevention in RA.
- Analysis of therapeutic algorithms for preclinical RA.
- Evaluation of pharmacologic approaches in early-stage RA.
Main Results:
- Primary prevention involves short-term treatment for at-risk individuals.
- Initiating treatment in preclinical RA may delay or prevent disease onset.
- Current studies explore various therapeutic options for preclinical RA.
Conclusions:
- Primary prevention is an innovative strategy for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Early intervention in preclinical RA holds potential for long-term disease modification.
- Further research is needed to optimize pharmacologic approaches in preclinical RA.
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