TY - JOUR
AU1 - Koike, Ryuji
AU2 - Harigai, Masayoshi
AU3 - Atsumi, Tatsuya
AU4 - Amano, Koichi
AU5 - Kawai, Shinichi
AU6 - Saito, Kazuyoshi
AU7 - Saito, Tomoyuki
AU8 - Yamamura, Masahiro
AU9 - Matsubara, Tsukasa
AU1 - Miyasaka, Nobuyuki
AB - Abstract The introduction of biological agents targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has brought about a paradigm shift in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although these anti-TNF agents have excellent efficacy against RA, a substantial number of patients still show inadequate responses. In Western countries, such patients are already being treated with new classes of antirheumatic drugs such as abatacept and rituximab. Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody developed in Japan against the human interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptor. TCZ does not only alleviate the signs and symptoms of RA but also seems to prevent progressive bone and joint destruction. However, there is a concern that TCZ might increase the risk of adverse events such as infections since IL-6 plays a pivotal role in the immune system. Calculating the relative risks of specific adverse outcomes with TCZ use remains difficult, due to insufficient patient numbers enrolled in clinical trials to date. This review presents tentative guidelines for the use of TCZ for RA patients prepared by the Japan College of Rheumatology and based on results of clinical trials in Japan and Western countries. The guidelines are intended as a guide for postmarketing surveillance and clinical practice, and will be revised periodically based on the surveillance. Rheumatoid arthritis, Tocilizumab, Anti-TNF, IL-6, Antirheumatics References Koike R , Takeuchi T, Eguchi K, Miyasaka N. Update on the Japanese guidelines for the use of infiiximab and etanercept in rheumatoid arthritis . Mod Rheumatol . 2007 ; 17 : 451 – 8 . Google Scholar Crossref Search ADS PubMed WorldCat Choy EHS , Isenberg DA, Ganood T, Farrow S, Ioannou Y, Bird H, et al. 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TI - Japan College of Rheumatology 2009 guidelines for the use of tocilizumab, a humanized anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, in rheumatoid arthritis
JF - Modern Rheumatology
DO - 10.3109/s10165-009-0197-6
DA - 2009-08-01
UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/oxford-university-press/japan-college-of-rheumatology-2009-guidelines-for-the-use-of-AUkjWkg70l
SP - 351
EP - 357
VL - 19
IS - 4
DP - DeepDyve
ER -