Tocilizumab Might Be an Option for Managing Giant Cell Arteritis

In a small randomized study, tocilizumab was steroid-sparing.

The standard of care for patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) is steroid therapy. However, prolonged courses of steroids often are required, leading to substantial steroid-associated complications. Until now, steroid-sparing immunosuppressive therapies have not been convincingly effective, but case series have suggested that the interleukin-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab (Actemra) effectively treats patients with GCA.

In this industry-sponsored study, 30 patients with GCA were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive monthly infusions of tocilizumab or placebo for 1 year; all patients received daily oral prednisolone (starting at 1.0 mg/kg and tapering to 0.1 mg/kg by week 12). By 12 weeks, 17 patients (85%) in the tocilizumab group and 4…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Tocilizumab Might Be an Option for Managing Giant Cell Arteritis

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Reviewing Author