In a nutshell This study looked at the effect of rituximab (Rituxan) and levels of immune cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).The authors concluded that certain immune cells are linked to disease activity in patients treated with rituximab. Measuring the levels of these cells could be used to determine if rituximab re-treatment is...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the risk of cervical cancer in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-inhibitors. The study concluded that women with RA treated with TNF-inhibitors are at increased risk of cervical cancer. Some background RA is a chronic autoimmune disease (when the immune system...
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In a nutshell This study assessed whether golimumab was effective for treating active rheumatoid arthritis despite methotrexate therapy. The study concluded that 78% of patients achieve good response to long-term golimumab treatment. Some background Methotrexate is often the first drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. However, in many cases...
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In a nutshell This study examined stopping methotrexate after 6 months of combined treatment with etanercept. Results showed that continuing combination treatment is preferable to stopping methotrexate. Some background For patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a combination of treatments is often more effective than a single treatment....
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In a nutshell This study examined whether golimumab (Simponi) is safe and effective in rheumatoid arthritis patients who have previously used anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. Some background Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy (Humira, Enbrel, Remicade and Cimzia) is used to treat patients who have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined whether a combination of clinical and ultrasound assessments could identify rheumatoid arthritis patients suitable for a lower dose of anti-TNF alpha therapy. Some background Anti-TNF alpha therapy (Humira, Enbrel, Remicade and Cimzia) is used to treat patients who have a severe form of rheumatoid...
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In a nutshell This study compared the effectiveness of two different rheumatoid arthritis drugs in patients with prior anti-TNF use. Some background Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue. Blocking the immune system with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such...
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