The efficacy of interleukin-6 inhibitor tocilizumab for takayasu’s arteritis, after insufficient response to previous treatment with glucocorticoids, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, fludarabine. (A case report)

Abstract

Thanks to progress in understanding of Takayasu’s arteritis pathogenesis, the role of biological therapies is expanding, especially in refractory diseases. Robust data are still lacking to draw conclusions concerning the use of interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitors in Takayasu’s arteritis. The article presents own experience of the use of tocilizumab (TCZ) for Takayasu’s arteritis after insufficient response to previous treatment with glucocorticoids, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, fludarabine and intolerance of cyclophosphamide, glucocorticoids. As result of TCZ treatment (600 mg IV every 4 weeks for 24 months), a stable Takayasu’s arteritis remission was achieved and confirmed by fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography.The inhibition of IL-6 can be considered as a promising innovative strategy for the treatment of Takayasu’s arteritis, primarily with insufficient response, intolerance or contraindications to standard therapy.

Keywords

• takayasu’s arteritis
• biologics
• interleukin-6
• tocilizumab