Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is an inflammation of the arteries which causes multiple symptoms including head pain and tenderness and can result in vision loss. touchIMMUNOLOGY caught up with Dr. Lisa Christ (University of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland) to discuss the epidemiology and prognosis of GCA, the limitations of glucocorticoid treatment and the rationale for targeting interleukin-6 in GCA.
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The abstract ‘Long-term Efficacy of Tocilizumab Monotherapy After Ultra-short Glucocorticoid Administration to Treat Giant Cell Arteritis – One Year Follow-up of the GUSTO Trial.’ (Abstract number: 0470) was presented at the ACR Convergence, November 10–14, 2022.
Questions
- Could you tell us a little about giant cell arteritis (GCA), its epidemiology and prognosis? (0:16)
- What are the limitations of glucocorticoid treatment for GCA? (1:04)
- What is the rationale for targeting interleukin-6 in the treatment of GCA? (1:38)
Disclosures: Lisa Christ discloses receiving grant/ research support from F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Gilead Sciences, and Pfizer; serving on advisory boards for Bristol-Myers Squibb and Novartis; and other financial support from F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Sanofi.
Support: Interview and filming supported by Touch Medical Media Ltd. Interview conducted by Atiya Henry.
Filmed in coverage of the ACR Convergence 2022.
