INTRODUCTION: Treatment of giant cell arteritis is based on prolonged 
corticosteroid therapy but adverse side effects are common especially in the 
elderly.
CASE REPORTS: We report three patients with giant cell vasculitis treated by 
tocilizumab, an interleukin-6 receptor antibody, owing to resistance or 
intolerance to corticosteroid therapy. A favorable outcome was rapidly observed 
both on clinical and biological data allowing a corticoid therapy sparing.
CONCLUSION: Tocilizumab is a promising treatment of giant cell arteritis but 
controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.