Significant improvement of refractory cutaneous lesions of lupus erythematosus with the use of anifrolumab: a report of two cases

Gilberto P. da Rosa, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, São João Local Health Unit; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto; Porto, Portugal Isabel Antunes, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, São João Local Health Unit, Porto, Portugal Bárbara V. Granja, CINTESIS@RISE, Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal Patrícia Gomes, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, São João Local Health Unit, Porto, Portugal Rúben Costa, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, São João Local Health Unit, Porto, Portugal Filomena Azevedo, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, São João Local Health Unit, Porto, Portugal Alberto Mota, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, São João Local Health Unit; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto; CINTESIS@RISE, Center for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto. Porto, Portugal

Anifrolumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the interferon-1 receptor, is currently approved for the treatment of moderate- to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus, but emerging evidence highlights its potential efficacy in cases with predominant cutaneous involvement. We present two cases illustrating its beneficial impact in refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus, including both the subacute and chronic subtypes.

Keywords: Cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Discoid lupus erythematosus. Anifrolumab. Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus.