Studies of immunosuppressive drugs in the treatment of lupus nephritis

: Long-term, controlled trials to evaluate the efficacy and toxicities of immunosuppressive drug therapies compared to treatment with corticosteroids alone in the management of patients with lupus nephritis have been performed. The studies demonstrate that immunosuppressive drug regimens, particularly intravenous cyclophosphamide, reduce the likelihood of end-stage renal failure. However, toxicities such as herpes zoster and ovarian failure were found to be increased in patients with cyclophosphamide.