Tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis: an update for the clinician.

The recent approval of tocilizumab (TCZ) for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA) has changed the landscape for management of this disease. Herein, we review recent literature addressing practical questions for the clinician regarding the use of TCZ in GCA. We evaluate efficacy of TCZ across different disease phenotypes, optimal dosing and formulation, treatment-related toxicity, recommendations for monitoring disease, and duration of therapy. Post-hoc analyses of a large clinical trial and real-world data suggest efficacy of TCZ across various disease phenotypes in GCA, and support use of weekly subcutaneous dosing over every-other-week dosing. More data are needed to guide duration of TCZ therapy, optimal disease activity monitoring in patients treated with TCZ, and to speak to efficacy in GCA with large vessel involvement. TCZ has added valuably to the treatment arsenal in GCA, though more data are needed to guide optimal use of the drug. Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

Citation

Julia A Ford, Danya Gewurz, Ora Gewurz-Singer. Tocilizumab in giant cell arteritis: an update for the clinician. Current opinion in rheumatology. 2023 May 01;35(3):135-140

Mesh Tags

Substances

PMID: 36912060

search → result