Other Treatments

Interferons. Interferons include agents that are used in hepatitis. Such drugs have helped reduce liver scarring. Early research is suggesting interferon gamma (e.g., Actimmune) may reduce scarring in systemic sclerosis. In one early study, five year survival was 85% for patients with diffuse systemic sclerosis who took interferon gamma. In addition, 40% of patients said their skin got softer. It should be noted, however, that interferon alpha appears to trigger the development of systemic sclerosis in some people with hepatitis.

Tumor-Necrosis Factor Modifiers. Tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) modifiers are major breakthroughs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. They are genetically engineered to interfere with specific components of TNF, a powerful immune factor. Researchers believe they should be tested in other inflammatory conditions, including scleroderma. The current agents include infliximab (Remicade), etanercept (Enbrel), and adalimumab (Humira).

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Halofuginone. Halofuginone, a drug that inhibits the synthesis of collagen, is showing some promise in preventing scarring. The agent blocks production of certain collagen types involved in cell proliferation.

Minocycline. Although this drug is an antibiotic, in low doses it has anti-inflammatory characteristics that may help inhibit skin symptoms. Small studies have suggested it provides gradual and progressive symptom improvement, but other studies have reported that minocycline is not effective for systemic scleroderma.

Investigative Procedures