Efficacy and Safety of Anifrolumab in Patients with Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37287/ijghr.v8i5.2515Keywords:
aniflorumab, CLASI, cutaneous lupus erythematosusAbstract
Cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) significantly impacts patient quality of life, and many cases remain refractory to standard-of-care treatments such as antimalarials and corticosteroids. Anifrolumab, a type I interferon receptor antagonist, has shown efficacy in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but its specific impact on diverse CLE subtypes in real-world settings requires further synthesis. To systematically review the clinical efficacy, safety, and steroid-sparing potential of anifrolumab in patients with CLE. A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library for articles published between 2021 and 2026. From an initial yield of 217 articles, 5 studies reporting on anifrolumab treatment for CLE subtypes were ultimately included after rigorous screening. Data on clinical response, specifically the cutaneous lupus erythematosus disease area and severity index (CLASI) scores and onset of action, were extracted and synthesized. Five studies involving a total of 40 patients were included. The majority of patients had failed multiple prior therapies. Results consistently showed a rapid and significant decrease in CLASI activity scores, often within the first 4 to 12 weeks of aniflorumab treatment. Notably, one major cohort reported that 50% of patients were able to discontinue prednisone entirely. Efficacy was observed across various subtypes, including discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) and subacute CLE (SCLE) cases. Adverse events were consistent with previously reported safety profiles. Real-world evidence suggests that anifrolumab is a potent and rapid-acting treatment for refractory CLE, offering significant clinical improvement and a vital steroid-sparing effect. These findings support its use in patients failing conventional therapies, though large-scale prospective trials specifically for CLE are warranted.
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