glucocorticoids + cyclophosphamide + tacrolimus

This triple combination therapy regimen consists of high-dose glucocorticoids, cyclophosphamide, and a calcineurin inhibitor (specifically tacrolimus). It is being evaluated by The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University for the treatment of anti-MDA5 antibody-positive dermatomyositis associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), particularly rapidly progressive ILD. The regimen employs three distinct mechanisms of action to achieve intensive immunosuppression: glucocorticoids provide broad anti-inflammatory effects by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor; cyclophosphamide acts as a cytotoxic alkylating agent that suppresses lymphocyte proliferation; and tacrolimus inhibits T-cell activation through calcineurin inhibition. This aggressive combination is designed to control the severe autoimmune inflammation and high mortality risk associated with this specific subtype of dermatomyositis.

Other names

Triple therapyTriple therapy for anti-MDA5+ dermatomyositis