Vnitr Lek 2025, 71(6):377-383 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2025.071

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus

Martina Skácelová

III. interní klinika - nefrologická, endokrinologická a revmatologická, FN a LF UP Olomouc

Advances in the research of targeted therapy have greatly expanded the treatment options for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Biological therapies have become an integral part of the new 2023 EULAR recommendations for the treatment of SLE and lupus nephritis. Biologic drugs (belimumab, anifrolumab) are indicated in the treatment of patients with severe forms of non-renal SLE without life-threatening organ involvement and severe neuropsychiatric manifestations, i.e. especially when extensive skin and joint involvement predominates; belimumab also has a role in the treatment of lupus nephritis. Rituximab is particularly indicated in the treatment of severe, refractory manifestations of SLE, including CNS involvement or severe cytopenia. A number of new molecules are currently being investigated, including obinutuzumab, dapirolizumab pegol and telitacicept, which appear particularly promising. There is already initial experience with CAR-T cell therapy and TCE therapy, which may have potential in the treatment of patients refractory to therapy. Further research into biomarkers may help identify patients with early forms of SLE or predict treatment response to a particular type of therapy.

Keywords: systemic lupus erythematosus, belimumab, anifrolumab, CAR-T therapy.

Accepted: September 21, 2025; Published: October 2, 2025  Show citation