Recent advances in understanding and treating vasculitis

F1000Res. 2016 Jun 20:5:F1000 Faculty Rev-1436. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.8403.1. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAVs) are near universally fatal conditions if untreated. Although effective therapeutic options are available for these diseases, treatment regimens are associated with both short- and long-term adverse effects. The recent identification of effective B-cell-targeted therapy with an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody has transformed the treatment landscape of AAV. Questions, nevertheless, remain regarding the appropriate timing, dose, frequency, duration, and long-term effects of treatment. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the current information, recent advances, ongoing clinical trials, and future treatment possibilities in AAV.

Keywords: ANCA-associated vasculitides; B-cell; systemic vasculitides; vasculitis.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work.