Is Tocilizumab an Option for Patients with Refractory Giant Cell Arteritis?

In a small study, most patients achieved remission, but nearly one third experienced serious adverse events.

High-dose steroids are the mainstay of treating patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA); however, as steroids are tapered, relapses are common and can result in prolonged steroid use. In addition, none of the second-line or steroid-sparing options for GCA (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, anti–tumor necrosis factor therapies) have been uniformly effective. The humanized interleukin (IL)-6–receptor inhibitor tocilizumab (Actemra) is approved to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic juvenile arthritis; case reports suggest it might be effective for those with GCA and large-vessel vasculitis.

In this retrospective study from Spain, researchers assessed the effects of tocilizumab in 22 patients with GCA who ha…

Reviewing Author

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Jonathan S. Coblyn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory BoardCVS Health

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Is Tocilizumab an Option for Patients with Refractory Giant Cell Arteritis?

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Reviewing Author