German Rheumatology Congress explores new immunotherapies

At the German Rheumatology Congress, experts discussed advancements in treating severe inflammatory-rheumatic diseases. New immunotherapy approaches, such as CAR-T cells and T-cell engagers, are being investigated for use in autoimmune conditions. Originally developed for blood and lymphatic cancers like B-cell lymphomas, these therapies involve modifying a patient's own T-cells in a laboratory to target and eliminate specific immune cells, such as those expressing the CD19 protein.

Initial clinical studies suggest these methods may provide longer-lasting disease suppression for conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, even in patients who do not respond to standard treatments. Prof. Ina Kötter of the German Society for Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology (DGRh) noted that in some cases, the immune system may rebuild itself after targeted B-cell loss without the return of autoimmunity.

Additionally, discussions at the congress addressed the evolving role of surgery in managing rheumatic manifestations. Surgeon Dr. Roger Scholz highlighted that while operative treatments have become more significant, specific considerations must be taken when performing surgery on patients with rheumatic conditions.