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For ICI arthritis, how soon do you start DMARDs?

3 Answers
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Rheumatology · Ohio State University
Answered on

Great question!

This is complicated- is it one joint? Inject with steroids! Are there many joints? Is it gout-based, spondyloarthropathy, or more like seronegative RA or PMR-like?

Also, where are they in the cancer space? In surveillance but high risk, what type of cancer, etc, etc

I start this way: 2...

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Rheumatology · Ohio State University
Answered on

This is a loaded question: If you are a rheuamtologist the answer is always at the same time, the entire goal to get off steroids. Steroids are your best friend and worst enemy, meaning: the most reliable and quick, cheap way to decrease inflammation -- this is the bridge to by time until the drugs ...

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Rheumatology · INOVA
Answered on

Keeping in mind that oral steroids can decrease the effectiveness of immunotherapy, if need for chronic steroids, then there is a need for a DMARD! Remember to discuss with oncology and have the pharmacist confirm that there are no interactions with the current cancer regimen and DMARD of choice.

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