Novel approaches to therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus: update 2005

This review covers the major advances in the therapeutic potentials related to systemic lupus erythematosus published in Medline between 2000 and February 2005. Controlled, open and Phase I-III trials were included. Anecdotal reports were excluded. Several trials have defined the role of cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, antimalarials, hormonal treatment and mycophenolate mofetil (Cellcept) in the management of systemic lupus erythematosus. The aims of novel biologics for systemic lupus erythematosus are to target the autoimmune disease at different points: B-cell depletion (rituximab [Rituxan], anti-BLys antibodies [Lymphostat-B]), inhibition of T-B interaction (rituximab), blockade of cytokines (anti-interleukin-10 antibodies), manipulation of idiotypes (intravenous immunoglobulin), tolerance induction to DNA and immunoglobulin-peptides and peptide therapy (abetimus sodium [Riquent]). Low-dose intravenous cyclophosphamide (Euro-Lupus protocol) is as effective as the conventional National Institutes of Health protocol and is also associated with less toxicity. Stem cell transplantation for severe disease induces remission in most patients, however, the relapse rate in a third of patients and the associated morbity and mortality restricts its use to selected patients with life-threatening disease. Intravenous immunoglobulin, although utilized in open trials, is effective and safe for various manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus. Major advances have been associated with mycophenolate mofetil and rituximab. Mycophenolate mofetil is effective for induction and maintenance therapy of lupus proliferative glomerulonephritis and is associated with fewer adverse events than monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide. Rituximab is a promising agent, and although its utilization is presently limited, it appears to be effective for lupus patients with severe disease.