Management of IgG4-Related Disease

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a chronic immune-mediated fibroinflammatory condition characterized by tumefactive lesions in multiple organs. Although glucocorticoids remain the cornerstone of therapy, high relapse rates and treatment-related toxicity have prompted the development of steroid-sparing strategies and targeted therapies. This review summarizes current evidence on pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of IgG4-RD and proposes a practical treatment approach based on available data and clinical experience.

Glucocorticoids continue to be the first-line therapy for remission induction, achieving high initial response rates; however, relapses are common, particularly after tapering or withdrawal. Conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), such as mycophenolate mofetil, leflunomide, azathioprine, and methotrexate, are frequently used as steroid-sparing agents, although comparative evidence remains limited. B-cell targeted therapies have emerged as key treatment options. Rituximab has demonstrated high efficacy as first-line therapy and in refractory or relapsing disease, and is widely used despite remaining off-label in most regions. More recently, the anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody inebilizumab became the first therapy approved for IgG4-RD following the MITIGATE trial, which showed reduced disease flares and increased rates of glucocorticoid-free remission. Additional emerging therapies include obinutuzumab, obexelimab, CAR-T cell therapy, and cytokine-targeted agents such as dupilumab and tocilizumab, although evidence for most remains limited. Management of IgG4-RD requires an individualized approach based on disease severity, organ involvement, relapse risk, patient's comorbidities and preferences, and access to therapies. B-cell-directed therapies and other targeted agents are emerging as key components of treatment and may enable more effective and steroid-sparing disease control.