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Switching anti-TNF-α agents: What is the evidence?

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Abstract

The availability of biologic agents targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α represents a significant advance in the management of rheumatoid arthritis. Anti-TNF-α therapy has been associated with dramatic improvements in the clinical signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and has been shown to greatly retard the destructive process that too often characterizes this condition. Although effective and well-tolerated in a substantial proportion of patients, primary and secondary failures of anti-TNF-α strategies have been well described, affecting up to one-third to one-half of subjects treated with these agents. Switching from one anti-TNF-α agent to a second (or even third) anti-TNF-α therapy has emerged as a means of addressing treatment failures with this drug class. This review examines data addressing the practice of switching anti-TNF-α agents in the context of initial treatment failure, with a focus on data from peer-reviewed reports.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Section of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 988025 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 98198-8025, USA

    Alan R. Erickson

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  1. Alan R. Erickson
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  2. Ted R. Mikuls
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Correspondence to Alan R. Erickson.

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Erickson, A.R., Mikuls, T.R. Switching anti-TNF-α agents: What is the evidence?. Curr Rheumatol Rep 9, 416–420 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-007-0066-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-007-0066-2

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