How We Treat ANCA-Associated Vasculitis: A Focus on the Maintenance Therapy.

Abstract

Recent progress has notably improved outcomes for patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), namely granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis. Since 2021, several international scientific societies have recommended rituximab (RTX) as the preferred primary treatment for maintaining remission in AAV patients. Decisions regarding retreatment with RTX are based on individual patient risk factors for disease flare-ups and the potential consequences of such flares. In reviewing available evidence and reporting our experiences at G. Bosco Hub Hospital in Turin, Italy, we explore various trials focusing on the maintenance therapy in AAV and discuss areas of unmet need.