Immunosuppressive treatment of the pulmonary manifestations of progressive systemic sclerosis.

In this article, we review recent studies on the use of immunosuppressive agents in autoimmune diseases, especially cyclophosphamide. In addition, we begin with a special section on the treatment of scleroderma lung disease, including controversies regarding the indications for immunosuppressive therapy. Scleroderma lung disease is justifiably regarded as one of the "frontiers of medicine" because of its gravity, its often rapidly progressive nature, and the urgency with which improved therapy is needed.