Thalidomide for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus: Which Patients Benefit?

Thalidomide shows promise for treating cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) when the first-line treatment has failed. However, thalidomide has its drawbacks, including high cost and high teratogenicity. Clinical benefits must be weighed against potential serious adverse events such as peripheral neuropathy that does not resolve after end of treatment and thromboembolic events. A recent systematic review …