Biological therapies in the treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Presto, J K; Hejazi, E Z; Werth, V P
• Is Part Of: Lupus. Volume 26:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 115
• Page End: 118
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Belimumab -- biological therapy -- cutaneous lupus -- interferon -- rituximab; Systemic lupus erythematosus -- Periodicals; 616.772005
• DOI: 10.1177/0961203316670731
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0961-2033

Abstract

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is an autoimmune skin disease occurring in association with or without systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although antimalarials are widely used as the first-line systemic agent, refractory cases may benefit from additional immunomodulators, immunosuppressives, and biologics. An interest in biological therapies for CLE has emerged in recent years due to novel insight into the pathogenesis of CLE. These targets include B cells, T cells, and cytokines that are involved in immune system pathways. Currently belimumab is the only biological therapy approved for SLE and no biologic has been approved for CLE. While there is a paucity of high quality evidence with regard to biologics in CLE management, trials are currently being performed to determine their role.