What are the latest advances in Sarcoidosis?
Here you can see the latest advances and discoveries made regarding Sarcoidosis.
Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects multiple organs in the body, most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes. It is characterized by the formation of granulomas, which are small clumps of immune cells that can cause organ damage. While the exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown, it is believed to involve an abnormal immune response triggered by environmental factors in genetically susceptible individuals.
Over the years, significant progress has been made in understanding and managing sarcoidosis. Researchers and clinicians have been working tirelessly to develop new diagnostic tools, treatment strategies, and improve patient outcomes. Here are some of the latest advances in sarcoidosis:
1. Biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis:
Identifying reliable biomarkers for sarcoidosis has been a major focus of research. Biomarkers are measurable substances that indicate the presence or progression of a disease. Recent studies have identified several potential biomarkers, such as soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and soluble CD163 (sCD163). These biomarkers can aid in the diagnosis, monitoring, and prediction of disease outcomes in sarcoidosis patients.
2. Genetic studies:
Advancements in genetic research have shed light on the genetic basis of sarcoidosis. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified specific genetic variants associated with an increased risk of developing sarcoidosis. Understanding the genetic factors involved in the disease can help in early detection, personalized treatment approaches, and potentially even prevention strategies.
3. Imaging techniques:
Imaging plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring sarcoidosis. Recent advances in imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), have improved the visualization of granulomas and disease activity. These non-invasive imaging modalities provide valuable information for assessing disease severity, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring treatment response.
4. Targeted therapies:
Traditionally, sarcoidosis has been treated with corticosteroids to suppress the immune response. However, emerging research has focused on developing targeted therapies that specifically address the underlying mechanisms of sarcoidosis. Biologic agents, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and interleukin-6 (IL-6) inhibitors, have shown promise in clinical trials. These targeted therapies aim to reduce inflammation and granuloma formation while minimizing the side effects associated with long-term corticosteroid use.
5. Patient-centered care:
Recognizing the diverse manifestations and impact of sarcoidosis on patients' lives, there has been a growing emphasis on patient-centered care. This approach involves tailoring treatment plans to individual patients, considering their preferences, goals, and quality of life. Multidisciplinary teams comprising pulmonologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, and other specialists collaborate to provide comprehensive care and support for sarcoidosis patients.
6. Supportive therapies:
In addition to disease-specific treatments, supportive therapies have gained attention in sarcoidosis management. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which include exercise training, education, and psychosocial support, have shown benefits in improving exercise capacity, reducing symptoms, and enhancing overall well-being. Support groups and online communities also play a crucial role in providing emotional support, sharing experiences, and disseminating information about the latest research and treatment options.
In conclusion, the field of sarcoidosis research and management has witnessed significant advancements in recent years. From the identification of biomarkers and genetic factors to the development of targeted therapies and patient-centered care, these advances offer hope for improved diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes for individuals living with sarcoidosis.
Posted Sep 7, 2017 by Kristie 2000
Posted Sep 11, 2017 by XTIENNA 2000
Posted Oct 26, 2017 by Diane 2735
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TNF Antagonists Are Effective at Treating Sarcoidosis, but Adverse Events Are a Concern
OCTOBER 3, 2017 Iqra Mumal, PhDBY IQRA MUMAL, PHD
TNF Antagonists Are Effective at Treating Sarcoidosis, but Adverse Events Are a Concern
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists are effective therapies in a significant proportion of patients with severe and refractory sarcoidosis, a new study shows. However, they also are associated with adverse events such as infections and allergic reactions.
The study titled, “Efficacy and safety of tumor necrosis factor antagonists in refractory sarcoidosis: A multicenter study of 132 patients,” was published in the journal Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism.
Drugs that target TNF have been studied as potential therapeutic agents for sarcoidosis.
Prior studies have indicated that TNF plays a role in the inflammatory processes that characterized sarcoidosis. Alveolar macrophages, which are immune cells of the lungs, release TNF in patients with active lung disease.
However, the use of TNF antagonists has been associated with several adverse events, infections, and malignancies.
The off-label use of TNF antagonists in the treatment of refractory sarcoidosis is increasing, despite the fact that data on their efficacy and safety in this patient population are still lacking.
In order to address this question, researchers investigated the effectiveness and safety of two TNF antagonists – infliximab and adalimumab – in sarcoidosis patients.
The team retrospectively analyzed 132 sarcoidosis patients who received treatment with infliximab (91%) or adalimumab (6%).
Researchers found that approximately two-thirds (64%) of patients had either a complete or partial response to treatment with a TNF antagonist, particularly patients whose brain, heart, skin, and upper respiratory tract were affected by the disease.
No differences in effectiveness were found among patients using anti-TNF and patients using anti-TNF combined with immunosuppressant agents.
Furthermore, patients using TNF antagonists required a lower dose of prednisone, a corticosteroid prescribed in sarcoidosis patients, at the end of the follow-up period.
In total, 52% of the patients assessed experienced adverse events, with the most frequent being infections (36% of patients) and allergic reactions (8%).
Treatment interruption due to adverse events or because it was not working was reported in 23% of the patients. Among these patients, 13 relapsed within 14 months, on average. Patients receiving anti-TNF therapies are known to be at risk of relapse during treatment or after drug withdrawal.
Researchers also found that “pulmonary involvement was associated with a lower clinical response to anti-TNF” in patients with sarcoidosis.
Overall, “the present study has demonstrated TNF-antagonist efficiency in the majority of patients though infections and relapses rates were rather high in long-lasting and long-treated cases,” the team concluded.
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TAGGED ADALIMUMAB, ADVERSE EVENTS, ANTAGONISTS, INFECTIONS, INFLIXIMAB, RELAPSE, TNF, TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR.
Iqra Mumal, PhD
Iqra Mumal, PhD
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Posted Oct 27, 2017 by KindredSpirit 2050
Posted Oct 27, 2017 by Wendy 2000
Different medicaton is being developed all the time but as of yet nothing CA's been confirmed to work in totally easing symptoms
Research still has a long way to go before a cure is found
Posted Oct 27, 2017 by Stewart 2000
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New intravenous drug options in America but South Africa to date only prescribes prednisone or methotrexate
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