|
| ARTICLES |
 |
|
|
| Year : 2005 |
Volume
: 16 | Issue : 4 | Page
: 506-513 |
|
Current Use and Future Trends in Induction Therapy
Flavio Vincenti
University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
Correspondence Address:
Flavio Vincenti
University of California, San Francisco, 505 Parnassus Avenue, Room M884, Campus Box 0780, San Francisco, CA 94143-0780
USA
  | Check |
PMID: 18202505 
|
|
|
Induction therapy has been utilized since the late 70s to reorient the immune system at the time of antigen presentation, decrease acute rejection and improve long-term graft survival. Currently, over 70% of patients undergoing kidney transplantation receive induction therapy. The current agents include OKT3, polyclonal antilymphocyte agents (Thymoglobulin being most frequently used), the anti-interleukin-2 receptor monoclonal antibodies daclizumab and basiliximab and Campath 1H. The current biologic agents are used for short-term therapy although their biologic effects may be prolonged. The next generation of induction agents is being developed for chronic use in calcineurin inhibitorfree and/or steroid-free regimens. These new biologic agents will be developed to simplify immunosuppression regimens, improve compliance and minimize long term toxicities. |
|
|
|
| [FULL TEXT] [PDF]* |
|
 |
|
|
|
