Unresolved issues in identifying and overcoming inadequate response in rheumatoid arthritis: Weighing the evidence

Stanley B. Cohen, Marc D. Cohen, John J. Cush, Roy M. Fleischmann, Philip J. Mease, Michael H. Schiff, Lee S. Simon, Arthur L. Weaver

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, multisystem, inflammatory disorder of the joints that affects about 1% of the world population. The ultimate goals of therapy include remission of disease and prevention of joint damage. Reaching these goals has become a realistic outcome for an increasing number of patients as treatment options have expanded over the past 3 decades. In addition to older therapies, such as methotrexate (MTX), other disease modifying drugs (DMARD), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, newer biologic treatments have become available. For the substantial number of patients who experience an inadequate response to standard medications, biologic response modifiers (BRM) provide an important therapeutic alternative. The availability of multiple treatment options in the absence of clear definitions or criteria for remission and inadequate response, however, makes clinical decisions about measuring outcomes, predicting response to treatment, and prescribing pharmacologic therapies challenging. In this program, distinguished rheumatologists weigh the evolving body of clinical evidence to draw sound conclusions and resolve key issues in managing inadequate response to treatment and in achieving optimal outcomes in RA.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-30
Number of pages30
JournalJournal of Rheumatology
Volume35
Issue numberSUPPL. 81
StatePublished - Feb 1 2008

Keywords

  • Disease activity indices
  • Inadequate response
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Treatment outcome

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Unresolved issues in identifying and overcoming inadequate response in rheumatoid arthritis: Weighing the evidence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this