Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease: What is new since the 2022 SER-SEPAR recommendations?

OBJECTIVE

In 2020, the Spanish Society of Rheumatology (SER) and the Spanish Society of Pulmonology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) published joint recommendations on the management of rheumatoid arthritis-associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). Since then, new evidence has emerged supporting an update focused on treatment.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted covering the period from October 2020 to October 2025.

RESULTS

L-6 and JAK inhibitors (JAKi) show efficacy comparable to rituximab (RTX) and abatacept (ABA) in controlling joint disease, preserving pulmonary function, limiting radiological progression, and reducing RA-ILD-related mortality, without a significant increase in serious respiratory events. ABA has not demonstrated a lower risk of severe or opportunistic infections; therefore, these four options (ABA, RTX, anti-IL6, and JAKi) may be used interchangeably in RA-ILD patients requiring treatment intensification. In those with a progressive fibrosing phenotype and intolerance to nintedanib, pirfenidone may be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent evidence has expanded the therapeutic options available for RA-ILD.