Cyclophosphamide treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus: Risk of bladder cancer exceeds benefit

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus has a variable clinical course, making assessment of treatment difficult. In association with steroids cyclophosphamide has been used to treat the disease for at least 20 years. Cyclophosphamide is claimed to reduce the dose of steroids required but is extremely toxic. We report on two women who developed bladder cancer after prolonged treatment with cyclophosphamide.