Safety of Biologic Therapies - An Update

EDWARD C. KEYSTONE

ABSTRACT.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists have set a new therapeutic standard for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Agents including infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab have demonstrated substantial improvement in signs and symptoms, disability, and quality of life, while significantly inhibiting joint damage in early and long-standing RA. Safety issues in concert with efficacy determine risk/benefit ratio and hence a position in the therapeutic algorithm. This brief review focuses on infection, congestive heart, and malignancy. (J Rheumatol 2005;32 Suppl 74:8-12)

Key Indexing Terms:

BIOLOGIC THERAPIES
SAFETY
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
CLINICAL TRIALS

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From the Division of Advanced Therapeutics, The Rebecca MacDonald Centre for Arthritis and Autoimmune Disease, Mount Sinai Hospital; and the University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

E.C. Keystone, MD, FRCPC, Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto, Director, The Division of Advanced Therapeutics.

Address reprint requests to Dr. E. Keystone, Rebecca MacDonald Centre for Arthritis and Autoimmune Disease, Mount Sinai Hospital, Joseph and Wolf Lebovic Building, 2nd Floor, 60 Murray Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5. E-mail: edkeystone@mtsinai.on.ca

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