Treating to target in psoriatic arthritis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis causing significant joint damage and impaired quality of life. A treat to target approach has revolutionized the care of patients with rheumatoid arthritis over the last decade. There is now increasing interest in a similar approach in PsA, as it seems that ongoing joint inflammation predicts subsequent damage and loss of function. RECENT FINDINGS: A 2011 European League Against Rheumatism review highlighted a lack of evidence for treat to target in PsA. However, with the development of the minimal disease activity criteria, a target is available and preliminary results from the first randomized treat-to target study (Tight Control of PsA Study) using these criteria have shown significant benefit in joint and skin disease activity and patient-reported outcomes. SUMMARY: Early evidence has shown the potential benefit of a treat-to-target approach in PsA and further research is needed to optimize treatment pathways for all subtypes of the disease.