title: Pro: Cyclophosphamide in lupus nephritis.
abstract: Based on efficacy and toxicity considerations, both low-dose pulse cyclophosphamide as part of the Euro-Lupus Nephritis protocol and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) with corticosteroids may be considered for induction of remission in patients with proliferative lupus nephritis. The long-term follow-up data available for low-dose pulse cyclophosphamide, the fact that compliance is guaranteed with this regimen and economic issues all favour the Euro-Lupus regimen in this author's opinion. For maintenance treatment, either azathioprine (AZA) or MMF may be used; AZA is preferred in case pregnancy is planned, while MMF is preferred when the disease relapses during use of AZA and, possibly, after successful induction of remission with MMF.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology & Clinical Immunology, AA21, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Cees G M
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Kallenberg
mesh_terms: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002985:Clinical Protocols / Q000592:standards*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012074:Remission Induction
chemical_list: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D003520:Cyclophosphamide
keywords: cyclophosphamide, Euro-Lupus Nephritis Trial; lupus nephritis; mycophenolate mofetil; systemic lupus erythematosus