Michael H. Schiff, MD

Michael Schiff, MD
 

Clinical Professor of Medicine
Rheumatology Division
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Denver, Colorado
Medical Director
Denver Arthritis Clinic Research Unit


Do we currently have biomarkers in the setting of RA that will predict patient response to the range of agents -- including inhibitors of IL-6, TNF and other signaling cytokines -- currently used for RA?

Do we currently have biomarkers in the setting of RA that will predict patient response to the range of agents — including inhibitors of IL-6, TNF and other signaling cytokines — currently used for RA?

Can the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) or CDAI provide information that guides aggressiveness of RA therapy? Do you consider abnormal results sufficient to trigger biologic therapy?

Can the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) or CDAI provide predictive information that guides aggressiveness of therapy for RA? Do you consider abnormal results sufficient to trigger biologic therapy?

What role do anti-CPP antibodies play in assessing undifferentiated arthritis? Are they predictive of responses with biologic agents? What are implications of ACPA positivity for IL-6 inhibitors?

Similarly, what role do anti-CPP antibodies play in assessing undifferentiated arthritis? Are they predictive of responses with specific biologic agents? What are implications of ACPA positivity for IL-6 inhibitors?

Are there any biomarkers for RA severity that are uniquely predictive of responsiveness with IL-6 inhibitors?

Are there any biomarkers for RA severity that are uniquely predictive of responsiveness with IL-6 inhibitors?

How should one "sequence" therapy in patients who require biologics? Is there a "one-sequence-fits-all" strategy? Can one start with any biologic agent as initial therapy in conjunction with methotrexate?

How should one optimally “sequence” therapy in patients who require biologic therapy? Is there a “one-sequence-fits-all” strategy? Or can one start with any of the biologic agents as an initial therapy in conjunction with methotrexate?

What is the evidence that early aggressive treatment with biologics produces the best outcomes in patients with RA? Are the guidelines supportive of this?

What is the evidence that early aggressive treatment with biologics produces the best outcomes in patients with RA? Are the guidelines supportive of this?