Related Experiment Videos
Clinical trials in lupus nephritis
1State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Box 42, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA. ginzler@pol.net
Current Rheumatology Reports
|May 16, 2001
Summary
Lupus nephritis treatment has advanced with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, but new agents like mycofenolate mofetil show promise due to IVC
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Corticosteroids and intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVC) are standard lupus nephritis treatments.
- IVC has significant toxicity and a high relapse rate (>50% at 10 years).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in lupus nephritis treatment over 50 years.
- To explore alternative therapies to IVC for lupus nephritis.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical treatment protocols for lupus nephritis.
- Evaluation of emerging immunosuppressive and biologic agents.
Main Results:
- High-dose corticosteroids were an early advance.
- IVC became standard but has limitations: toxicity and relapse.
- Mycofenolate mofetil and biologic agents are promising alternatives.
Conclusions:
- Lupus nephritis treatment has evolved significantly.
- Newer agents offer potential for improved efficacy and safety over IVC.
- Ongoing research focuses on targeted immunotherapies for lupus nephritis.