The effectiveness of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy in eliminating rheumatoid arthritis

This study examined the various characteristics of anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy remission in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Anti-TNF therapy (Humira, Enbrel, Remicade and Cimzia) is used to treat patients who have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Patients receiving anti-TNF therapy continuously may achieve remission (no signs and symptoms of the disease). The frequency of patients who achieve remission following anti-TNF therapy is unknown. It is believed that some patient characteristics may be able to predict remission. Other characteristics of remission, including the duration and choice of drug, are currently unknown.

This study involved 2416 RA patients. Patients received various anti-TNF drugs, including etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade) and adalimumab (Humira). Remission was defined as a disease activity score (a measure based on the number of joints affected, as well as patient reports of symptoms such as pain) less than 2.6 (out of 10) for more than 6 months.

15.8% of participants achieved remission. The average duration of remission was 5.2 years. Male patients were more likely to achieve remission. Patients with low disease activity were more likely to achieve remission. Patients receiving methotrexate (Trexall) were also more likely to achieve remission.

Compared to patients receiving infliximab, patients receiving etanercept were 86% more likely to achieve remission within 1 year and 32% more likely to achieve remission after 4 years. Patients receiving adalimumab were 84% more likely to achieve remission after 4 years compared to infliximab.

This study concluded that remission is uncommon in RA patients treated with anti-TNF therapy. Combining anti-TNF with methotrexate can predict remission. Patients receiving etanercept and adalimumab are more likely to achieve remission.

This study did not involve the randomization of participants to groups. In addition, results were collected by observing patient characteristics rather than designing a study to investigate the effects of drug choice on remission.

Consult your physician regarding the risks and benefits of anti-TNF therapy to achieve remission.