Giant-cell arteritis (GCA) is the most common vasculitis in people aged more 
than 50 years. Despite the frequency of this disease, there is currently no 
international consensus on its therapeutic modalities. The aim of this study was 
to conduct a review on an international literature about the treatment of GCA, 
whatever the clinical pattern might be. Oral corticosteroids remain the 
cornerstone treatment, possibly preceded by intravenous bolus in complicated 
forms. In cases of glucocorticoid (GC) dependence or GC-related side effects, a 
GC-sparing agent may be necessary. Methotrexate is one of the most used 
treatments despite its low level of evidence and mild efficacy. Cyclophosphamide 
and tocilizumab look promising but require validation in further studies. The 
results for TNF-α blockers and azathioprine are disappointing. Preventing 
complications of prolonged corticosteroid therapy is a world challenge and the 
management of GC-induced osteoporosis is not the same from one country to 
another. There is a significant risk of arterial thrombosis, mainly at treatment 
onset, which may encourage to associate an antiplatelet therapy, especially in 
patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Place of statins in the 
treatment of the disease is uncertain.