‘Multimorbidities’ in RA make impact on treatment efficacy, disease activity

According to the ACR’s 2015 treatment guidelines, “If your RA patient has a previously treated, solid organ malignancy, there’s no restrictions on what you and I should use,” he said. “Basically, treat them like they hadn’t had a history of cancer.” The exception is for patients with previously treated nonmelanoma skin cancer or melanoma, in whom conventional synthetic DMARDs are preferred over biologics or tofacitinib (Xeljanz). In addition, patients with previously treated lymphoproliferative disorders should be given rituximab (Rituxan) – or DMARDs, abatacept (Orencia), or tocilizumab (Actemra) – over TNF inhibitors. “This is good news,” Dr. Curtis said. “It really expands the range of options for patients, now supported by data, who have a history of cancer and bad RA.”

Global Academy for Medical Education and this news organization are owned by the same parent company. Dr. Curtis receives research support or serves as a consultant for Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Corrona, Lilly, Janssen, Myriad, Pfizer, and Sanofi/Regeneron.