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.


by Diseasemaps

Not too many. Though there is no known cure there are medicines that can help treat your symptoms. Pain meds, anxiety and depression meds, immunosupressant meds, etc. some say cbd oil can help as well as a nicotine patch helping. However more research and studies need to be done.

9/7/17 by Kristie 2000

It seems a Cancer drugs are working to help control the sarcoid problems. Humera helps with the osteoporosis which also seems to keep the sarcoidosis symptoms at Bay. Prednisone helps a lot in the beginning and sometimes you can be weaned off of it or it could be a lifelong medication.

9/11/17 by XTIENNA 2000

Sarcoidosis treatments are being researched more widely around the world due to the numbers of patients being diagnosed increasing. However funding for research is not easily come by. Support groups are increasing awareness of the disease and various voluntary organisations are fund raising for further research and support for patients. Advice is to find the best possible specialist who has experience in the disease even if you have to travel a substantial distance to be seen.

10/26/17 by Diane 2735

Sarcoidosis News Skip to content HOME ABOUT US Search for: Search 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. Print Friendly, PDF & Email TAGGED ADALIMUMAB, ADVERSE EVENTS, ANTAGONISTS, INFECTIONS, INFLIXIMAB, RELAPSE, TNF, TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR. Iqra Mumal, PhD Iqra Mumal, PhD Post navigation Cardiac sarcoidosis cases PREVIOUS: Cardiac Sarcoidosis Cases Doubled in US from 2005-2011, Study Finds FDA rare diseases grant NEXT: FDA Awards $300,000 Grant to University of Iowa Researcher for Sarcoidosis Study Leave a Comment Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Comment Name * Email * Website Post Comment Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Search for: Search Get our FREE Newsletter * indicates required Email Address * First Name Last Name Subscribe Recent Sarcoidosis Articles NORD SUMMIT #NORDsummit – Alternatives to Large Placebo Trials, Grant Awards Among Ways FDA Supporting Rare Diseases, Chief Says OCTOBER 23, 2017 sarcoidosis rare combo Rare Case of Pancreatic, Pulmonary, and Bronchial Sarcoidosis Reported OCTOBER 19, 2017 ODA report #NORDsummit – Despite Criticism, Orphan Drug Act Is Working to Advance Needed Treatments, FDA Says OCTOBER 19, 2017 FDA rare diseases grant FDA Awards $300,000 Grant to University of Iowa Researcher for Sarcoidosis Study OCTOBER 17, 2017 TNF antagonists TNF Antagonists Are Effective at Treating Sarcoidosis, but Adverse Events Are a Concern OCTOBER 3, 2017 Sarcoidosis News Follow On Sarcoidosis News BioNews Services, LLC 5307 E. Mockingbird Ln. 5th Floor Dallas, TX 75206 Email: info@bionewsservices.com Phone: 1-800-936-1363 Recent Posts NORD SUMMIT #NORDsummit – Alternatives to Large Placebo Trials, Grant Awards Among Ways FDA Supporting Rare Diseases, Chief Says OCTOBER 23, 2017 sarcoidosis rare combo Rare Case of Pancreatic, Pulmonary, and Bronchial Sarcoidosis Reported OCTOBER 19, 2017 ODA report #NORDsummit – Despite Criticism, Orphan Drug Act Is Working to Advance Needed Treatments, FDA Says OCTOBER 19, 2017 FDA rare diseases grant FDA Awards $300,000 Grant to University of Iowa Researcher for Sarcoidosis Study OCTOBER 17, 2017 About Us Contact Us Terms of Service Privacy Policy Disclaimer: Sarcoidosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Copyright © 2013-2017 All rights reserved.

10/27/17 by KindredSpirit 2050

Current research is focasinv on bacterial or viral triggers although it is believed that environmental factors may also have an influence

10/27/17 by Wendy 2000

Many hospitals around the world are doing research into what can trigger sarcoid 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

10/27/17 by Stewart 2000

There are no latest advances, promote awareness

3/31/18 by Cathleen 1900

There are many studies being done on sarcoidosis several of them in the UK and Britain. Corticosteroids are still used to treat most sarcoidosis flares. Some studies suggest that only 20% of all sarcoidosis cases need to be treated. There's much information to be read on treatments and much to discuss with your doctor when she using the proper treatment for you.

7/4/18 by msinky 2550

Isolation of a gene called Amyloid A found in Sarcoidosis sufferers . New intravenous drug options in America but South Africa to date only prescribes prednisone or methotrexate

10/15/18 by Zaida 1050

New medications txts

10/8/19 by Lashawn 2500

I'm on remicaid and cell cept They are working on new medications

3/8/20 by Elizabeth 4800

Advancements are happening all the time via Doctor to Doctor or even Patient to Doctor. I am seen at National Jewish Health by a team. I have neurological, pulmonary, heart, muscular, and lymph node involvement. Six years ago when I was a new patient I only had Pulmonary and Lymph Node involvement but my disease has progressed. When my heart started to give me issues I did my own research and brought what I found to my doctor visits. They took what I bought and are now doing their own research into it's findings. Don't give up and be an advocate for yourself, as no one else will.

1/18/21 by Althea 4550

I started on COPD Herbal treatment from Ultimate Health Home, the treatment worked incredibly for my lungs condition. I used the herbal treatment for almost 4 months, it reversed my COPD. My severe shortness of breath, dry cough, chest tightness gradually disappeared. Reach Ultimate Health Home via their email at ultimatehealthhome@gmail.com . I can breath much better and It feels comfortable!

4/5/21 by Robert 9039

A new drug, Ofev (nintedanib) has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to slow the progression interstitial lung disease.

9/14/23 by Emma Johnson 2500

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