Promise of rheumatoid arthritis therapy: From clinical deep remission to drug-free remission

Abstract

Achieving clinical deep remission (CliDR) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is essential to prevent long-term joint damage, enhance patient quality of life, and possibly reduce and discontinue medication eventually. Recent research advances have raised the possibility of achieving deep remission and even drug-free remission. This comprehensive review examines current strategies of RA therapy, concept of deep remission, challenges, and the emerging prospects of drug-free remission. It also reviews the role of different treatments, including conventional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic agents, and targeted synthetic drugs, in the journey from deep remission to drug-free remission. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care, early diagnosis, and individualized treatment approaches in optimizing outcomes for patients with RA.