Update on the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: therapeutic highlights from the Sixth International Lupus Conference.
The studies presented at the conference indicate that new therapeutic agents are effective for patients with SLE. Some of the agents (high dose cyclophosphamide) may be given to patients with refractory disease while others (low dose cyclophosphamide, and MMF) may be used as a first-line drug. The current data on biologic agents are still preliminary and their exact role in SLE needs to be determined.
Abu-Shakra
Mahmoud
M
Rheumatic Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine D, Soroka Medical Center, Faculty Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. mahmoud@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
Buskila
Dan
D
D000962:Antimalarials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001691:Biological Therapy; D003226:Congresses as Topic; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007555:Isoxazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077339:Leflunomide; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000601:surgery*; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000962:Antimalarials; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007555:Isoxazoles; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D000077339:Leflunomide; D009173:Mycophenolic Acid