Current and future prospects in the managementof granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's granulomatosis)

Abstract

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener's granulomatosis) is a multisystem autoimmune condition associated with anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies. Management of GPA can be complex, owing to the sometimes fulminant and multisystem nature of the presentation, the age demographics of the affected population, and a significant incidence of disease relapse. In this paper, we discuss how some of the challenges in the management of GPA have been and continue to be addressed including: reducing the toxicity of induction therapy; developing biomarkers to determine who can safely stop maintenance immunosuppression; improving the efficacy of maintenance therapy for relapsing patients; managing localized disease; and management of disease and treatment-associated comorbidity. Consideration is also given to emerging therapeutics in the treatment of GPA. © 2014 Tarzi and Pusey.