Safety and Efficacy of Long-Term Tocilizumab in a Cohort of Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis: An Italian Monocentric Retrospective Study

Objective: Tocilizumab (TCZ) is the only biologic drug approved for the treatment of giant cell arteritis (GCA), having clinical trials and real-life studies proved its efficacy and safety. However, the optimal duration of the treatment has yet to be determined, being its early interruption associated with an increased risk of relapse. Conversely, prolonged schemes of therapy may rise safety concerns. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and remission/relapse rate in a cohort of GCA patients treated with TCZ and an accelerated steroid tapering scheme, followed for 24 months. Methods: We retrospectively included patients referring to our clinic from January 2019 to November 2021 who were diagnosed with GCA and started subcutaneous TCZ treatment (162 mg/week). They also received up to 62,5 mg of prednisone (PDN), tapered following an accelerated six-month scheme. Results: We collected 38 patients, with a mean age of 76,4 years, treated with TCZ for an average of 22,3 months. AEs occurred in 11 (29%) subjects, and only one serious AE was reported; 7 (18%) patients permanently discontinued TCZ. At the end of the follow-up, all the patients continuing treatment showed clinical remission, with a PDN dosage <5mg. We registered 3 (8%) minor relapses under TCZ, after an average of 15 months. Conclusion: Our data support the evidence of a safe and effective long-term use of TCZ in GCA patients, especially when combined with moderate GCs doses for the shortest possible duration.