Primary disease(s) Source Review characteristics Participants Intervention Outcomes
Behcet’s disease
Akiyama et al.2020[22]
20 clinical studies were analyzed in the current study AMSTAR Score 8/11
47 patients with Behcet’s disease treated with tocilizumab
Tocilizumab 8 mg/kg/4 weeks
Tocilizumab was shown as a promising treatment choice for refractory ocular-, neuro-, and vasculo-Behcet’s disease, as well as secondary amyloidosis, but this drug was not recommended for mucocutaneous and articular involvement.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Akiyama et al.2020[23]
9 clinical studies were included in the current study. AMSTAR Score 8/11
59 patients with isolated PMR treated with tocilizumab
Tocilizumab 8 mg/kg/4 weeks
Tocilizumab is effective in cases of isolated PMR, particularly in combination with glucocorticoids. In addition to its glucocorticoid-sparing effect, it achieves glucocorticoid free remission and reduces relapse rates. Tocilizumab monotherapy is not recommended.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Chen et al. 2016[24] 14 RCTs were included in the network meta-analysis AMSTAR Score 10/11 2672 active AS patients infliximab 3 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, 6 and every 6 weeks for 12 weeks. secukinumab 2 10 mg/kg given 3 weeks apart for 28 weeks. tocilizumab 8 mg/kg/4 weeks for 12 weeks. Our analysis shows that except for the finding that infliximab 5 mg was superior to tocilizumab, no differences between biologic therapies in the treatment of AS. Infliximab 5 mg/kg may be a better biologic therapy regimen for AS, but this interpretation should be accepted very cautiously. Secukinumab also appears promising, though additional data is warranted.