Objectives: The various biologic agents currently available for the treatment of RA can be administered subcutaneously (s.c.) or via intravenous (i.v.) infusion with variable intervals depending on the drug. This investigation aims to identify the preferences and concerns of affected patients and their physicians.
Methods: We conducted a survey of 102 patients with RA currently receiving Rituximab (RTX) therapy. They were asked about different aspects of their current and previous RA therapy, including overall satisfaction, tolerability, mode of drug administration, as well as duration and intervals. In addition, 17 rheumatologists were asked about different aspects of s.c. or i.v. drug administration, their preference and the suspected preference of their patients.
Results: The mean age of our patients was 59 ± 11.2 years. Patients had failed ≥2 DMARD therapies and ≥ 1 biologic treatment. The impact of RTX infusions on planning different activities including job, hobbies or travelling was considered as low or very low in 76% of the respondents. Interestingly, 63.4% of patients would prefer an infusion every 6-9 months as RA therapy, whereas 21.5% would prefer tablets only; 12.9% of our patient cohort would prefer s.c. injections every second week, and only 2% would prefer an infusion every month. In all, 92% of patients questioned would choose RTX therapy again. In contrast, 88% of rheumatologists preferred s.c. injection and even 94% of them assumed that their patients would do so as well if they had the choice. The suggested reasons included greater flexibility, convenience and independence during s.c. therapy.
Conclusion: Contrary to the assumption of rheumatologists, we have demonstrated a preference among RTX patients for i.v. drug administration every 6-9 months over other methods of administration.