Novel therapies for sarcoidosis.
The treatment of sarcoidosis remains controversial. Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of therapy, but immunosuppressive, cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory agents have emerged as viable therapeutic options for patients failing or experiencing adverse effects from corticosteroids. Published data are most extensive with methotrexate, but favorable responses have been noted with leflunomide, azathioprine, antimalarial and antimicrobial agents, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors. This review focuses on these novel therapies for sarcoidosis, including indications for use, efficacy, toxicity, and monitoring.
Baughman
Robert P
RP
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, USA. Bob.Baughman@uc.edu
Lower
Elyse E
EE
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003603:Cytotoxins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015769:Granuloma, Respiratory Tract / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016676:Macrophages, Alveolar / Q000378:metabolism; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015272:Pulmonary Medicine / Q000639:trends; D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003603:Cytotoxins; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D008727:Methotrexate