MTX optimization or adding bDMARD equally improve disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis: results from the prospective study STRATEGE

Objectives The STRATEGE (Therapeutic Strategy in Patients Treated With Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis) study aimed to describe treatment strategies in current practice in RA biologic DMARD (bDMARD)-naive patients with an inadequate response to MTX therapy, and to compare clinical efficacy of the different therapeutic strategies on disease activity after 6 months. Methods The main inclusion criteria of this prospective, observational, multicentre study were confirmed RA diagnosis, treatment by MTX monotherapy and need for therapeutic management modification. Results The 722 patients included had a mean (s.d.) RA duration of 5.3 (6.7) years, a mean DAS28 of 4.0 (1.1); they were all receiving MTX monotherapy, 68% oral, at a mean dose of 15.0 (4.1) mg/week. Two major strategies were identified: (i) MTX monotherapy dose and/or route optimization (72%) and (ii) bDMARD initiation +/- MTX (16%). MTX dosing was modified for 70% of patients, maintained (dose and route) for 28% of patients and interrupted for 2%. bDMARDs were started when the MTX mean dose was 17.4 mg/week, 56% parenterally; MTX was maintained concomitantly for 96% of patients. Six-month follow-up results adjusted by propensity score showed that both options were equally successful in improving disease activity and physical function, with 63 and 68% of good-to-moderate EULAR responses, respectively. Conclusion The STRATEGE study shows the importance of initial MTX treatment optimization before initiation of a biological treatment and emphasizes the importance of treat-to-target strategy.