Relationship Between Baseline and Early Changes in C‐Reactive Protein and Interleukin‐6 Levels and Clinical Response to Tocilizumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Baseline serum concentrations of IL-6 and CRP may not be predictive of clinical outcomes after TCZ treatment. Data demonstrate the efficacy of TCZ in patients across a broad range of baseline serum IL-6 and CRP concentrations. Similarly, changes in these biomarkers after TCZ dosing are expected and may or may not correspond to changes in other clinical signs and symptoms. These results complement previous reports describing the complex interactions among biomarker changes, other therapeutic mechanisms of action, and clinical outcomes.