How Does Tocilizumab Monotherapy Compare to Tocilizumab Plus Methotrexate?

In this study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology, researchers aimed to assess if tocilizumab (TCZ) monotherapy is noninferior to treatment with TCZ plus methotrexate (MTX) for maintaining clinical responses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in whom low disease activity is achieved with TCZ plus MTX. 

In the study, out of the 718 patients enrolled, 296 were randomized at week 24 to receive TCZ monotherapy (n = 147) or TCZ plus MTX (n = 147). Out of the patients who received an inadequate response to just MTX were given MTX plus TCZ 162 mg subcutaneously. Patients who achieved a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR) of ≤3.2 at week 24 were randomized to either receive TCZ monotherapy or continue the TCZ plus MTX treatment. 

New RCT: Sustained Response Following Discontinuation of Methotrexate in Patients With Rheumatoid #Arthritis Treated With Subcutaneous Tocilizumab https://t.co/YOXSUKlZr3 @ACRheum

— Wiley Clinical Health (@WileyHealth) April 23, 2018

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— Trip Database (@tripdatabase) July 22, 2018

“Patients with RA receiving TCZ plus MTX who achieve low disease activity can discontinue MTX without significant worsening of disease activity during the 16 weeks following MTX discontinuation,” the researchers concluded. 

Check out a recent article on the efficacy of using opioids for joint and back pain. 

 SOURCE: Arthritis & Rheumatology