title: [Clinical experience with TNF-blockers].
abstract: Recently, biologic agents have become available for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Such agents, the so-called TNF blockers, selectively inhibit TNF alpha, a dominant proinflammatory cytokine. They allow good suppression of the disease activity in many patients. Even in nonresponders to conventional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) a good response may be achieved. The anti-erosive effect appears to be excellent. Major advantages are the fast response and good overall safety. Constitutional symptoms often disappear rapidly, which may contribute substantially to the gain in quality of life. Efficacy and safety are maintained even in long-term use. Because of certain risks and high costs TNF-blocking agents should be reserved for patients who respond poorly to conventional DMARDs or do not tolerate them.
authors.affiliation: Rheumaklinik und Institut für Physikalische Medizin Universitätsspital Zürich Gloriastrasse 25 8091 Zürich, Switzerland. adrian.forster@ruz.usz.ch
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forster
authors.forename: B A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Michel
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000068800:Etanercept; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000069285:Infliximab; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab; D000068800:Etanercept
vernacular_title: Klinische Erfahrung mit TNF-Blockern.