Infliximab treatment for rheumatic disease: clinical and radiological efficacy.
Infliximab is a chimeric anti-tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) monoclonal antibody with high affinity and binding specificity for human TNFalpha. Results from several well designed, controlled clinical trials show repeated infusions of infliximab with concomitant methotrexate (MTX) treatment can reduce the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This combination of infliximab and MTX also slows the radiological progression of joint damage, decreases functional disability, and improves qualify of life. These remarkably positive results have led to the investigation of infliximab treatment for other rheumatic diseases. Recently, controlled studies have shown treatment with infliximab can benefit patients with active spondyloarthropathy. TNFalpha has fast become an important therapeutic target in rheumatology.
St Clair
E W
EW
Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. stcla003@mc.duke.edu
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015535:Arthritis, Psoriatic / Q000188:drug therapy; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D000069285:Infliximab; D011859:Radiography; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000188:drug therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D000069285:Infliximab