Effect of tocilizumab on interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Background: ILD is the most common pulmonary complication in patients with RA. Certain drugs, such as methotrexate, have been associated with the progression of ILD. Therefore, drugs used for treating RA with ILD should be administered carefully. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the safety of tocilizumab on ILD in patients with RA. Methods: Subjects were 34 patients (17 men, 17 women, mean age 69.4 years) with both RA and ILD. The effect of tocilizumab was evaluated before, 2 months after, and 6 months after administration. Results: Mean levels of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), which is a biomarker of RA disease activity, were 380 ± 370, 214 ± 216, and 208 ± 245 ng/mL, respectively. Significant differences were observed between before and after administration of tocilizumab (before vs 2 months: p Conclusions: The disease activity of RA was significantly improved by administration of tocilizumab, and ILD did not progress. In patients with both RA and ILD, tocilizumab could be administrated safely without progression of ILD.