Gene profiling can help predict treatment response and could save money in RA

Two new studies have shown that the use of gene profiling designed to predict a positive response to treatment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is following the lead from its use in cancer treatment. Prompt identification of those RA patients not responding to treatment supports timely switching to alternative treatment, reducing the chance of long-term joint damage and avoiding money being wasted on ineffective drugs.