Therapy for Proliferative Lupus Nephritis

Rheum Dis Clin North Am. 2018 Nov;44(4):545-560. doi: 10.1016/j.rdc.2018.06.002. Epub 2018 Sep 7.

Abstract

Proliferative lupus nephritis requires prompt diagnosis and treatment with immunosuppressive therapy. Cyclophosphamide is the longest studied agent, but mycophenolate mofetil has recently emerged as an efficacious induction and maintenance treatment that does not impart the risk of infertility. However, overall remission rates remain suboptimal and there is a need for improved therapeutic options. To this end, ongoing clinical studies are focusing on agents that target key molecules and pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis based on previous animal and human studies. This article reviews key findings of trials supporting established induction and maintenance treatment regimens along with novel therapeutic investigations.

Keywords: Immunosuppressive; Lupus nephritis; Proliferative; SLE; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / classification
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / pharmacology*
  • Lupus Nephritis* / diagnosis
  • Lupus Nephritis* / immunology
  • Lupus Nephritis* / therapy
  • Maintenance Chemotherapy / methods
  • Remission Induction / methods
  • Therapies, Investigational

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents