RESUMEN
(1) Rituximab (RTX), a monoclonal antibody, selectively targets CD20+ B-cells that are implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). (2) The use of RTX with methotrexate (MTX) results in statistically significant clinical improvements among RA patients who have an inadequate response to standard therapies, when compared to the use of MTX alone. (3) The optimal dose, duration of treatment or retreatment, long-term efficacy and safety, and placement of RTX in RA treatment algorithms need to be further investigated. (4) Health Canada has approved the combination of RTX with MTX for use in adult patients with moderate to severe active RA, who have had an inadequate response or intolerance to >1 tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor therapies.
Asunto(s)
Anticuerpos Monoclonales , Artritis Reumatoide/tratamiento farmacológico , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/administración & dosificación , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/efectos adversos , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/economía , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/inmunología , Anticuerpos Monoclonales/uso terapéutico , Antígenos CD20/inmunología , Antirreumáticos/administración & dosificación , Antirreumáticos/efectos adversos , Antirreumáticos/economía , Antirreumáticos/inmunología , Antirreumáticos/uso terapéutico , Canadá , Ensayos Clínicos Fase II como Asunto , Ensayos Clínicos Fase III como Asunto , Aprobación de Drogas , Quimioterapia Combinada , Humanos , Metotrexato/uso terapéutico , Ensayos Clínicos Controlados Aleatorios como AsuntoRESUMEN
(1) Chondroitin sulfate solution 2.0% is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) replenishment therapy instilled into the bladder of GAG-deficient patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). (2) Two non-randomized, uncontrolled pilot studies report improvements in patient-reported symptoms after the use of chondroitin sulfate for one year. Prospective, randomized, head-to-head trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of this technology compared with other IC therapies. (3) The cost and demand for this technology are low, but there could be a significant impact on clinics that administer treatment, if uptake increases.