Immunotherapy and other novel therapies.

Although no true breakthroughs occurred, publications during the 12-month period of this review added substantial definition to certain novel immunotherapies potentially applicable to the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Overall, this period witnessed maturation in the field of biologic interventions. Clinical trials provided further data needed to assess the efficacy of high-dose intravenous gamma-globulin therapy in patients with systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and extended uncontrolled experience with interferon-gamma in adult rheumatoid arthritis was obtained. An intriguing immunostimulant and antiviral drug, isoprinosine (inosine pranobex), failed in a scientifically rigorous trial in rheumatoid arthritis. Provocative insights into totally new approaches surfaced in additional reports from a variety of immunologic areas. Although seemingly distal to rheumatoid arthritis, these papers are cited because their further development or adaptations could reach a stage where clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis are warranted.