V. Silverstein, MD

Current novel therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of bone loss in patients with inflammatory joint disease target cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy is a compelling new treatment currently being studied in clinical trials.

Bone erosion, a common side-effect of rheumatoid arthritis, can be prevented by using a combination of close patient monitoring and individualized therapeutic regimens that include agents to block cytokines, block osteoclasts, or target abnormal cellular reactions.

Inflammatory bone loss is caused by a complex pathway that begins with inflammatory cell production of cytokines, progresses to abnormal bone absorption, and culminates in the destruction of joints, bone fractures, and patient debility.