Evolution of Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

The transition from viewing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as a chronic and incurable condition to one where remission is achievable has been monumental in treatment. The advent of targeted therapy has led to a significant shift in how rheumatologists approach maintenance therapy, particularly regarding when it might be appropriate to wean patients off treatment. Historically, there was a general belief among practitioners that continuous therapy was necessary, but recent studies have explored the possibility of stopping therapy in patients who have achieved robust remission. Understanding which patients can safely taper their maintenance therapy is a critical question that continues to guide research and clinical practice.