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Immunosuppressive therapy offers variety of treatment options for uveitis, surgeon says
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SAN FRANCISCO — Four types of immunosuppressive therapies offer options other than steroids for treating uveitis, according to a specialist speaking here.
Nisha Acharya, MD, discussed current concepts in immunosuppressive therapy and alternatives to steroids for treating uveitis during a mini-symposium on uveitis and glaucoma held at the American Glaucoma Society's annual meeting. She said that while steroids remain excellent first-line treatments for ocular inflammation, they also have systemic side effects over long-term use.
"Steroids are good for acute flare, for short courses of 3 to 6 weeks," she said. "The goal is to taper and stop them."
The four alternative immunosuppressive therapies she discussed include antimetabolites, T-cell inhibitors, alkylating agents and biologics.
Immunosuppressive therapy has advanced in safety; it previously sometimes caused sterilization and other side effects. But research has improved such therapies in recent years, Dr. Acharya said. Some treatments still pose risks, including high potency and cell death, but they are typically effective in stopping ocular inflammation, she added.
"The field has really changed," Dr. Acharya said. "It's important to consider steroid-sparing immunosuppressive therapy when indicated."