Management of ANCA-associated vasculitis: Current trends and future prospects
File(s)
Author(s)
Hamour, S
Salama, AD
Pusey, CD
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides are a spectrum of heterogeneous autoimmune diseases characterized by necrotizing small vessel vasculitis and the presence of ANCA. These chronic multisystem disorders may be life-threatening if there is major organ involvement, such as acute renal failure or pulmonary hemorrhage, and require significant initial immunosuppression and long-term maintenance treatment. Long-established protocols using cyclophosphamide and prednisolone have resulted in dramatically improved outcomes for patients since the 1970s. Subsequently, international collaboration has contributed to a growing evidence base and consensus in the management of these rare disorders. Modifications to traditional treatment protocols by the use of azathioprine or methotrexate rather than cyclophosphamide, and the introduction of newer agents, such as rituximab, has maintained outcomes whilst decreasing toxicity. However, the treatment limitations of incomplete efficacy, infection, and cumulative toxicity persist. These issues have continued to drive the search for safer and more effective modulation of the immune system using targeted immunotherapy. This review will explore the current evidence base for management of ANCA-associated vasculitis and future treatment prospects.
Date Issued
2010-06-03
Date Acceptance
2010-06-03
Citation
Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management, 2010, 6, pp.253-264
ISSN
1178-203X
Publisher
Dove Medical Press
Start Page
253
End Page
264
Journal / Book Title
Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management
Volume
6
Copyright Statement
© 2010 Hamour et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd. This is an Open Access article
which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, provided the original work is properly cited. The full terms of the License are available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. Permissions beyond the scope of the License are administered by Dove Medical Press Limited. Information on how to request permission may be found at: http://www.dovepress.com/permissions.php
which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, provided the original work is properly cited. The full terms of the License are available at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. Permissions beyond the scope of the License are administered by Dove Medical Press Limited. Information on how to request permission may be found at: http://www.dovepress.com/permissions.php
License URL
Subjects
Science & Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Health Care Sciences & Services
HEALTH CARE SCIENCES & SERVICES
ANCA
vasculitis
treatment
Publication Status
Published