[Monoclonal antibody therapy for uveitis].

Uveitis, or intraocular inflammation, is caused by various reasons. Since many of the cases are of unknown origin, non-specific anti-inflammatory therapy is often the only choice for the treatment of uveitis. Furthermore, some of the patients are indeed refractory to every available modality and are suffering from severe visual disturbances. Stronger medicine is needed. Monoclonal antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-alpha, TNF-alpha, are one of the candidates in giving us more opportunities to treat such patients more effectively. We are especially hopeful of its application to refractory Behçet's disease. Its unique adverse side effects, though, should be carefully monitored. On balance, this monoclonal antibody therapy may become the last anchor for treating sight-threatening uveitis in the near future.