[Effect of the inhibition of joint destruction in RA by TNF-blocking agents].

Recently, the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis has changed dramatically. The goal of therapy is not only the control of inflammation, but the prevention of joint destruction, the improvement and maintenance of good functional capacity, and moreover, complete remission or cure. Under the circumstance, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -blocking agents, that have shown the excellent clinical effect and remarkable inhibition of joint destruction, are the medicine of important role.