Personalized medicine approaches in giant cell arteritis

Abstract

Introduction: Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a systemic vasculitis that impacts large and medium arteries, primarily in people aged over 50. Conventional therapy using high-dose corticosteroids is effective but frequently results in considerable side effects. Progress in the comprehension of GCA's pathophysiology has led to the development of personalized medicine strategies, focusing on improving treatment effectiveness and minimizing negative consequences. Aim: This review examines the present state of personalized medicine in GCA, emphasizing genetic, molecular, and proteomic indicators that guide tailored treatment approaches. Methods: A thorough literature review was performed using PubMed and Scopus, concentrating on research from the past ten years. Chosen articles were examined for information on biomarkers and customized treatments in GCA. Keywords: "Giant cell arteritis," "personalized medicine," "genetic markers," "proteomics," and "biological therapy." Discussion: Genetic research has identified links between GCA and certain HLA-DRB1 alleles, indicating a genetic susceptibility. Studies on epigenetics have shown that DNA methylation alterations in monocytes of individuals with GCA impact inflammation-related gene expression. Proteomic investigations have revealed unique protein patterns in the bloodstream, which help distinguish between active disease and remission phases. These molecular discoveries have led to the creation of targeted therapies, like tocilizumab, an IL-6 receptor blocker that has been approved for the treatment of GCA. Current research into additional biomarkers offers potential for enhancing treatment strategies further. Conclusion: The combination of genetic, epigenetic, and proteomic information is reshaping the management of GCA from a uniform strategy to more individualized methods. Discovering particular biomarkers allows for customized therapies that enhance effectiveness while reducing adverse effects. Ongoing research is crucial to confirm these methods and broaden the range of targeted therapies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in GCA.