Advancements In Biological Treatment Of Takayasu Arteritis: Efficacy, Safety, And Future Perspectives

Abstract

Introduction and Objective Takayasu's arteritis (TAK) is a chronic autoimmune vasculitis that primarily impacts the aorta and its major branches. The standard treatment has been glucocorticoids; however, their prolonged usage can cause severe side effects, and many patients fail to maintain sustained remission. This review aims to assess the recent advances in utilizing biological drugs for treating TAK, with a focus on their efficacy and safety profiles. Methods To conduct this review, we analyzed clinical trials, retrospective studies, and case reports. The databases searched included PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus utilizing keywords like "Takayasu arteritis," "biological treatment," and specific medication names. Brief Description of the Current State of Knowledge Several biological therapies targeting key inflammatory pathways implicated in TAK have demonstrated promise. These include IL-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab), TNF-alpha inhibitors (infliximab, etanercept), and JAK inhibitors (tofacitinib). Clinical research and case reports indicate these therapies can decrease disease activity, facilitate glucocorticoid tapering, and enhance quality of life in patients who do not sufficiently respond to standard treatment. However, concerns remain about long-term safety, including heightened infection risk and paradoxical inflammatory reactions. Summary Biological medications represent a major step forward in TAK treatment, providing hope for individuals unresponsive to conventional approaches. However, additional large-scale, randomized controlled trials are needed to establish their long-term efficacy and safety of the treatment.

Keywords

• Takayasu’s arteritis (TA)
• biological treatment
• IL-6 inhibitors
• TNF-alpha inhibitors