Repeated infliximab, a chimeric anti-TNF alpha, in spondyloarthropathy
While there are definite short term benefits to blocking a major player in the body’s immune response, I am very concerned with the long term dangers. With this therapy, we are blocking the cytokine that maintains vigilance against cancer cells and invaders. Of additional concern in this study is that, after each infusion, more and more patients had recurrences. In addition, anti-DNA antibodies were noted in 57% of patients. These antibodies attack our own DNA.
Ann Rheum Dis — Abstracts: Kruithof et al. 61 (3): 207