The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as an Ab1 antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat disease or to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level, reduced serum albumin level, elevated D-dimer or other coagulation cascade related protein(s), cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue prior to treatment. The subject therapies also may include the administration of other actives such as chemotherapeutics, anti-coagulants, statins, and others.本發明係有關於使用對IL-6具結合專一性之諸如Ab1抗體或抗體片段之IL-6拮抗劑以預防或治療疾病或改善其需要病患之存活能力或生活品質之治療方法。於較佳實施例，此等病患會包含於治療前展現升高之血清C-反應蛋白質量、降低之血清白蛋白量、升高之D-二聚物或其它凝結連鎖反應有關之蛋白質、惡質症、發熱、虛弱及/或疲勞(或具發展危險性)。患者之治療亦可包含投用諸如化療劑、抗凝血劑、他汀等之其它活性物。
