Markers of treatment response to methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis: where do we stand? Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • Methotrexate (MTX) is the most commonly used disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, despite its efficacy and affordability, additional DMARDs or biologic agents are often required in order to achieve the recommended goals of low disease activity or remission. Although well tolerated by most, some patients develop important side effects such as cytopenias, gastrointestinal adverse events (stomatitis, nausea), or abnormal liver function tests, which may limit its use and may result in additional health care costs. Given the clinical implications of widespread use of MTX in RA, various studies have evaluated the role of potential biomarkers in predicting treatment effectiveness of MTX. These biomarkers include RBC MTX polyglutamate (PG) levels; genetic variation in genes from relevant biological and metabolic pathways; gene expression profiles; serum proteins. This paper provides an update on the current data regarding biomarkers of treatment response to MTX.

publication date

  • July 9, 2012

Identity

PubMed Central ID

  • PMC3400362

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84864998081

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1155/2012/978396

PubMed ID

  • 22844292

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 2012