Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Potential Role for Biologic Therapy
Early Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Potential Role for Biologic Therapy
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by joint inflammation and subsequent articular destruction. Untreated, RA is associated with progressive functional disability, substantial morbidity, and even accelerated mortality. In recent years, the addition of novel biologic therapies to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment has improved the management of RA, with better clinical response rates and improved control of radiographic progression. Initial studies with biologics included patients with long-standing, established RA. Such patients had failed therapy with previous DMARDs. To better understand the effects of biologics in early RA, recent trials have recruited patients earlier in their disease course. As more data from trials of novel treatment regimens in early RA become available, some questions remain that will affect how such treatment paradigms will be adopted.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by joint inflammation and subsequent articular destruction. Untreated, RA is associated with progressive functional disability, substantial morbidity, and even accelerated mortality. In recent years, the addition of novel biologic therapies to conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) treatment has improved the management of RA, with better clinical response rates and improved control of radiographic progression. Initial studies with biologics included patients with long-standing, established RA. Such patients had failed therapy with previous DMARDs. To better understand the effects of biologics in early RA, recent trials have recruited patients earlier in their disease course. As more data from trials of novel treatment regimens in early RA become available, some questions remain that will affect how such treatment paradigms will be adopted.