Immediate versus gradual Tocilizu<b>M</b>ab discontinuAtion in G<b>I</b>ant Cell Arteritis: protocol of the multicentre randomised open-label MAGICA trial.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a large-vessel vasculitis occurring in people aged over 50 years. Recent studies have shown that tocilizumab (TCZ), an anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody, is remarkably effective in treating GCA and allows significant dose sparing of glucocorticoids. However, it makes it difficult to monitor disease activity. Furthermore, treatment is often prolonged over 1 year due to the fear of relapse after stopping TCZ and/or the absence of an optimal discontinuation scheme.

Methods and analysis

This study aims at comparing two discontinuation regimens in a population of GCA patients who have been treated with TCZ for 12-36 months and have discontinued glucocorticoids for at least 12 weeks. Patients will be randomised with a 1:1 ratio betwe

SUBMITTER: Samson M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12519690 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature