Current treatment options for SLE published by Dove Medical Press

     

ImmunoTargets and Therapy has published the review “Current and emerging treatment options in the management of lupus”.

Hydroxychloroquine use remains the first line agent in the treatment of SLE and evidence continues to accumulate attesting to its benefits in improving morbidity and mortality. Equally important is the fundamental need for each patient to participate in a chronic disease management programme to minimise co-morbidities.

As corresponding author Professor David D’Cruz says “Systemic lupus erythematosus is a complex autoimmune disease that can be life or organ threatening. Conventional immunosuppressive agents are widely used in the management of SLE with recent regimens optimising the use of these agents while minimising potential toxicity. Biologic therapies have advanced the treatment of SLE particularly in patients with refractory disease. The CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab and the anti-BLyS agent belimumab, are now widely in use in clinical practice. Several other biologic agents are in ongoing clinical trials although the failure of many large scale trials has been disappointing.”

Professor David D’Cruz continues “The importance of managing co-morbidities such as cardiovascular risk factors, bone health, and minimising susceptibility to infection should not be neglected. This review article gives a comprehensive but readable overview of treatment approaches for this fascinating but challenging disease.”

As Dr Michael R. Shurin, Editor-in-Chief, explains “SLE is an important clinical problem and it will be great to show approved and potential therapeutic approaches to the general public. This is well written review.”

ImmunoTargets and Therapy is an international, peer-reviewed open access journal focusing on the immunological basis of diseases, potential targets for immune based therapy and treatment protocols employed to improve patient management. Basic immunology and physiology of the immune system in health, and disease will be also covered.

Dove Medical Press Ltd is a privately held company specializing in the publication of Open Access peer-reviewed journals across the broad spectrum of science, technology and especially medicine.

Updated 8 March 2016