Does Cyclophosphamide Still Have a Role in the Treatment of Severe Inflammatory Eye Disease?

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide is a highly effective immunosuppressive drug that has proven efficacy in the treatment of patients with severe inflammatory eye disease. It has the advantage of being able to be used either orally or intravenously, has a potent steroid-sparing effect, and is effective in inducing disease remission. The major limitations to the use of this alkylating agent are its frequent side effects. With the increasing availability of alternate forms of therapy it is time to review the therapeutic regimen for cyclophosphamide use in patients with inflammatory eye disease.

• Cyclophosphamide
• immunosuppression
• side effects
• uveitis
• vasculitis