Assessing the value of rheumatoid arthritis treatment alternatives: the potential effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors.

: Early intervention with drugs that delay structural damage from rheumatoid arthritis may limit disability and reduce the high costs associated with advancing disease. However, conventional agents have a potential for significant toxicities, which require monitoring that confers additional treatment costs. A new class of drugs has been developed: biologic response modifiers, two of which--etanercept and infliximab--inhibit tumor necrosis factor, a pivotal regulator of inflammation, and delay arthritic progression. Managed care organizations should encourage early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, referral to a rheumatologist, and treatment with agents that reduce the overall costs of this debilitating disease.