Ponticelli regimen

The Ponticelli regimen is a cyclical immunosuppressive protocol that serves as a standard of care for the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). Developed by Claudio Ponticelli, the classic regimen involves a six-month cycle that alternates monthly between corticosteroids (intravenous methylprednisolone followed by oral prednisone) and an alkylating agent (traditionally chlorambucil, though cyclophosphamide is now more commonly used in the 'modified' version). The regimen works by suppressing the autoimmune response and reducing proteinuria to prevent progression to end-stage renal disease. While highly effective in inducing remission, it is associated with significant toxicities, including bone marrow suppression, severe infections, and potential long-term malignancy risk.

Other names

Modified Ponticelli regimenCyclical corticosteroid/alkylating-agent therapycCYC/GC therapy