Integrating biologic therapy into the comprehensive care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

The advent of biologic therapy has not only provided the opportunity for better care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but also has permitted a better understanding of the pathogenesis of this autoimmune/inflammatory disease. The capacity of these agents to suppress signs and symptoms as well as radiographic progression of RA strongly indicates that they can alter the course of the disease. Appropriate analysis of the effect of biologics should provide new insight into the role of the specific targeted molecules in rheumatoid inflammation, and provide information about means to optimize therapy with these highly potent therapeutics.