Therapeutic trials for systemic sclerosis: an update.

The pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) is complex, and the final story is yet to be elucidated. The clinical heterogeneity of the disease, its various autoimmune and antibody profiles, its long course and tendency for spontaneous cure makes the design of clinical trials difficult. The overwhelming need in this disease is to diagnose it early and identify those patients who will benefit most from early, aggressive treatment. We attempt to review data from recent clinical trials and the lessons derived.