The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Antagonists (Anti TNF-α) in Personalized Treatment of Patients with Isolated Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): Past and Possible Future Scenarios

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are the cornerstone of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) therapy, but their long-term use (as is usually necessary in PMR patients) can induce many adverse events. Alternatives have long been sought. The primary aim of our narrative review is to provide an overview about the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) drugs in patients with PMR, and discuss advantages and disadvantages. Materials and methods: we performed a non-systematic literature search (PRISMA protocol not followed) on PubMed and Medline (OVID interface). Results and Conclusions: only two anti TNF-alpha drugs have been prescribed to PMR patients: infliximab in 62 patients and etanercept in 28 patients. These drugs were normally used in addition to GCs when significant comorbidities and/or relapsing PMR were present; less commonly, they were used as first-line therapy. In general, they have been scarcely successful in patients with PMR. Indeed, randomized controlled trials did not confirm the positive results reported in case reports and/or case series. However, an administration schedule and study design different from those proposed in the past could favour new scenarios in the interest of PMR patients.

Automated summary

Anti-TNF-alpha drugs have been used in addition to glucocorticoids in PMR patients, but have had limited success. However, new administration schedules and study designs may lead to better outcomes for PMR patients.