Thus, as Dr. Bingham explained, RNA sequencing classification showed stronger associations with clinical response compared with histological classification, and this may indicate that expanded use of such technologies in clinical practice may predict which patients will best respond to specific treatments.
In Sum
Dr. Bingham’s lecture was exceptionally thought-provoking and, in very clear terms, helped demonstrate how bench to bedside research will soon reshape the clinical practice of rheumatology. Much remains to be explored in the fields of tissue evaluation, RNA sequencing and related concepts, yet there has not been a more exciting time in the history of medicine to embark on these investigations.
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Jason Liebowitz, MD, completed his fellowship in rheumatology at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, where he also earned his medical degree. He is currently in practice with Skylands Medical Group, N.J.
References
- Zhang F, Wei K, Slowikowski K, et al. Defining inflammatory cell states in rheumatoid arthritis joint synovial tissues by integrating single-cell transcriptomics and mass cytometry. Nat Immunol. 2019 Jul;20(7):928–942.
- Alivernini S, MacDonald L, Elmesmari A, et al. Distinct synovial tissue macrophage subsets regulate inflammation and remission in rheumatoid arthritis. Nat Med. 2020 Aug;26(8):1295–1306.
- Humby F, Durez P, Buch MH, et al. Rituximab versus tocilizumab in anti-TNF inadequate responder patients with rheumatoid arthritis (R4RA): 16-week outcomes of a stratified, biopsy-driven, multicentre, open-label, phase 4 randomised controlled trial. 2021 Jan 23;397(10271):305–317.
