Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for Chronic Behcet's Disease: 3 Cases

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Despite intensive, chronic immunosuppressive therapy, permanent loss of vision resulting from relapsing ocular inflammation occurs frequently in patients with Behcet's disease. Since tumor necrosis factor (TNF) might have an important pathogenetic role in Behcet's disease, monoclonal anti-TNF antibody treatmant has introduced for chronic Behcet's disease. We report three cases of chronic Behcet's disease that were treated by monoclonal anti-TNF antibody. METHODS: We describe the use of the anti-TNF monoclonal antibody, infliximab (Remicade(R), Schering Plough), in three patients with Behcet's disease who exhibited a severe ocular involvement refractory to standard treatment. RESULTS: Remission of ocular inflammation was evident within the first 24~48 hours, and no relapse occurred during a 5~12 month follow up. No side effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that anti-TNF monoclonal antibody (infliximab) is a rapid and effective new therapy for sight-threatening ocular inflammation in Behcet's disease.