A multi-biomarker disease activity score for monitoring rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that affects the synovium and results in cartilage degradation, bone erosions, and joint deformities. RA-associated pain, decreased mobility, fatigue, and comorbidities lead to functional disabil-ity, impaired quality of life, and shortened life expectancy by 5–10 years. According to the US Centers for Disease Control, RA ranked as the 42nd highest contributor to global disability, with a prevalence of 1.5 million in the USA and 1.24 million in Japan. Synthetic and biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs have improved patient health and disease outcomes. Early diagnosis and intervention to control and decrease disease activity have led to improved patient outcomes. Furthermore, the emergence of a treat-to-target strategy and the definition of remission criteria by the American College of Rheumatology and European League Against Rheumatology have provided a new framework for physicians to achieve better patient outcomes based on regular evaluation of disease activity and assessment of the response to treatment. Improvement is needed, however, in facilitating disease activity assessment and identifying patients at higher risk of radiographic progression and those with smoldering disease who could benefit from more aggressive intervention. An objective disease activity test based on biomarkers measured in the blood that reflects the underlying biological events in addition to information on risk of radiographic progression would fulfill this need. Such a test would provide physicians with a convenient measurement tool to monitor patients in a clinical set-ting and support rapid treatment adjustment and tighter disease control. This article examines peer-reviewed publications cited in PubMed that describe the multi-biomarker disease activity score, its development and validation, and its applications as an objective disease assessment tool in patients with RA.