Treatment of scleroderma: an update

Abstract

The goal of this article is to update the reader and focus on novel therapies and clinical trials published since our last review [6]. Evidence suggests that drug intervention should target one or all of three biological processes: vascular disease, autoimmunity and tissue fibrosis. Efforts should be made to classify the subtype of scleroderma, to determine the activity of the disease process and the degree of specific organ involvement before specific treatment decisions are made. Cyclophosphamide in fibrosing alveolitis, intravenous prostaglandins and other vasodilators for the vascular disease, endothelin-1 inhibition in pulmonary hypertension and immunosuppressive therapy for early inflammatory disease, all appear to have benefit. Several agents used in vitro and in animal models of fibrosis also show promise including anti-transforming growth factor-beta, the statins and anti-integrins. More experience in well-designed clinical trials is needed to define the role of these agents in treating scleroderma.