Immunosuppressive and Cytotoxic Drugs in Dermatology: A Practical Overview and Personal Perspective
Jeffery P. Callen
Background: Cytotoxic/immunosuppressive
drugs are regularly used to treat proliferative diseases of the
skin and immunologically mediated inflammatory disorders.
Objective: The rational use of
cytotoxic/immunosuppressive drugs, which depends on the proper
selection of both the patient and the drug, is discussed.
Conclusion: Methotrxate,
azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil, cyclosporine, and
other related drugs have potential benefits in the treatment of
severe recalcitrant cutaneous disease. Patients may survive
otherwise fatal disorders, or may improve their life-style and
become productive again. However, the beneficial effect of these
agents is achieved when the blood level is at or near toxic
level. Thus, the prescribing physician should have a familiarity
with the potential toxicities and a knowledge of proper
monitoring techniques.
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