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Aggressive therapy does not substantially alter the long-term course of rheumatoid arthritis. So what else is new?
1Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
Abstract:
A consensus has evolved that there is little evidence supporting the view that the second line agents significantly alter long-term outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis. Consequently, changes in approaches to treatment currently being employed include earlier use of existing second line agents, their use in combinations, and greater use of corticosteroids. Our awareness that our current drugs, at best, fall considerably short of attaining the therapeutic results we would like to achieve causes us to look forward to the development of rationally derived biologic agents with considerable anticipation.
Insights
Current rheumatoid arthritis treatments show limited long-term benefits. New strategies involve earlier use of second-line agents and corticosteroids, with anticipation for future biologic therapies.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Limited evidence supports significant long-term benefits of current second-line agents in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Existing RA treatment strategies are evolving due to these limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current treatment approaches in rheumatoid arthritis.
- To highlight the need for more effective RA therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current consensus and treatment strategies for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Analysis of the efficacy of second-line agents and corticosteroids.
Main Results:
- Second-line agents show minimal impact on long-term rheumatoid arthritis outcomes.
- Current treatment modifications include earlier and combined use of second-line agents and increased corticosteroid use.
Conclusions:
- Existing rheumatoid arthritis treatments are insufficient for optimal therapeutic results.
- There is a significant need and anticipation for the development of rationally designed biologic agents for RA treatment.