The evolution of biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis: from clinical research to clinical care.

Background: Treatment efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has been measured by clinical response, gross radiological results and some biochemical markers. With the new biologic treatments, markers for disease development, progress, severity and therapy response have evolved.

Objectives: This review focuses on a selection of current markers and the need for better markers for determining RA treatment susceptibility and success.