There are important differences in how mycophenolate mofetil and cyclophosphamide treat patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, according to Dr. Till Fassbender and his associates.
In a cross-sectional study, both MMF and CYC had a significant effect on the disease activity and circulating B cell subsets. However, only MMF reduced circulating plasmablasts, plasma cells, and circulating free light chains. Neither drug effectively reduced circulating memory B cells, and there was no difference in reduction of IgG levels or anti-dsDNA antibodies between the two. However, treatment with CYC increased circulating CD8+ effector T cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells.
“The data might help to pave the way for more customized therapies in SLE and the impact of MMF and CYC on cellular and serological parameters should be considered when biomarker panels for clinical trials are discussed and free light chains or plasmablasts and plasma cells are monitored,” the investigators concluded.
Find the full study in Arthritis Research and Therapy (doi: 10.1186/s13075-015-0603-8).
