Triple-Threat Drug Combination Proven Successful For Treating Lupus

Lupus nephritis, kidney inflammation that's caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) can cause the body's immune system to actually attack its own cells and organs. In fact, statistics show that up to 60 percent of people suffering from SLE are diagnosed with lupus nephritis, which can lead to significant illness and even death, in some instances.

Fortunately, there is hope. Recent findings published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine reveal that a triple drug combination was proven successful in alleviating many symptoms associated with the health issue.

For the study, researchers randomly assigned patients with lupus nephritis to one of two groups: one that received monthly infusions of cyclophosphamide, plus oral steroid medication, while the other group was administered with oral steroids along with two immune-suppressing medications - mycophenolate mofetil and tacrolimus.

"After six months, 45.9 percent of patients on the drug trio were in complete remission, and 83.5 percent had at least a partial response. In contrast, 25.6 percent of patients on cyclophosphamide were in complete remission. And 63.0 percent had at least a partial response," a news release noted. 

Six months following treatment, findings also revealed that about 45.9 percent of the patients on the drug trio were actually in complete remission. Another 83.5 percent had at least a partial response, while about 25.6 percent of the patients on cyclophosphamide were in complete remission and 63 percent were also in partial remission.

With more research using the combination treatments together, researchers reiterate the important potentials of multitarget therapies for providing relief.