Genetic markers 'could help predict response to rheumatoid arthritis therapies'

A number of genetic markers have been identified that could help predict treatment responses among people with rheumatoidarthritis. Led by Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow and presented at the latest annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology and the Association of Reproductive Health Professionals, the research has offered insights into new methods for testing patients to ensure they receive therapies that will work for them most effectively. How genes can predict responses to common therapies The study looked at data from 241 patients involved in a clinical trial called ORBIT, with the aim of finding gene expression markers that would help predict responses to anti-TNFdrugs or the B-cell therapyrituximab. A total of three gene expression signatures were found to predict therapy responses, with eight genes predicting general responsiveness to both types of therapy, 23 genes indicating responsiveness to anti-TNFs and a further 23 associated with rituximab efficacy. Using this data, the team developed predictive models for response rates, resulting in accuracy of 91.6 per cent for general responsiveness, 89.7 per cent for anti-TNF response and 85.7 per cent for rituximab response. Providing better-targeted treatment for arthritis sufferers Currently, a significant proportion ofrheumatoid arthritis patients fail to respond to the first biologic drug they are prescribed, resulting in increased pain, stiffness, disability and a reduced quality of life un...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news