Current and future treatment options for cutaneous lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Introduction: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus has a range of dermatologic manifestations that may significantly impact quality of life. Clinicians and investigators need to be aware of current and emerging treatment options for these patients. With the number of new targeted biological therapies coming to the market for inflammatory disorders there will be more treatment options in the near future.

Areas covered: This article reviews published reports searched using the PubMed database with the terms cutaneous lupus and treatment.

Expert opinion: Local therapies such as topical steroids and topical calcineurin inhibitors are helpful for mild or localized disease. Antimalarials remain the first-line systemic treatment for cutaneous lupus. For patients who do not respond to antimalarials, there are a number of potential treatments including thalidomide and other immunosuppressants. Emerging therapies including rituximab, lenalidomide and ustekinumab hold potential for the treatment of cutaneous lupus but more studies are needed.

Keywords:

• antimalarials
• biologics
• cutaneous lupus erythematosus
• therapy

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Notes

This box summarizes key points contained in the article.