Is there a cure for systemic lupus erythematosus?

The morbidity and mortality of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a subject of intense relevance in the literature, yet descriptions of prolonged and sustained remissions or even cure are barely reported. In recent decades the life expectancy in SLE patients has improved, but the quality of life seems to be poor compared with other chronic diseases and with the general population. The immunopathogenesis of SLE is complex and not fully understood, so patients have been treated with nonspecific immunosuppressive therapies. But in recent years, because of advances in basic science, targeted therapies have been developed. Despite the progress made in treating SLE, currently a cure in SLE seems to be a myth. SLE it seems, remains incurable. A specific treatment has not emerged to directly abrogate a disease-specific autoimmune response. Relapsing manifestations and complications of treatment still remain important markers of morbidity. Lupus (2013) 22, 417-421.