Therapeutic strategies in preclinical stages of rheumatoid arthritis
Nils Schulz, Uwe Lange, Philipp Klemm
Abstract
Modern therapies and treatment algorithms, such as the treat‑to‑target strategy, have significantly improved outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over the past decades. Moreover, the concept of the "window of opportunity" has led to earlier diagnosis and better treatment outcomes. Nevertheless, progressive disease remains a significant clinical issue and socioeconomic burden, which warrants investigation of novel strategies. One of such innovative therapies is primary prevention: treating patients at risk for developing RA for a short period of time to prevent the disease before it occurs. The initiation of treatment in preclinical phases of RA is expected to delay, halt, or even prevent the disease onset or progression in the long term. This review summarizes this new concept, discusses current studies including an overview of therapeutic algorithms and findings, and provides a critical evaluation of pharmacologic approach in the preclinical stages of RA.