Framework for implementing treat-to-target in systemic lupus erythematosus routine clinical care: consensus statements from an international task force

Abstract

Implementation of Treat-to-Target (T2T) in routine clinical practice remains low in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Real-world data reveal excessive use of glucocorticoids (GCs) and frequently inadequate disease control. Here, an international task force convened to develop a consensus framework for implementing T2T in routine clinical care of adult patients with SLE. This T2T task force comprised an international panel of 22 physicians involved in the care of SLE and 3 lupus patient research partners. Following a scoping review and online discussions, during which definitions and instruments available for T2T in SLE were examined, the panel developed potential framework statements for implementing T2T in SLE, which were extensively discussed before being agreed upon by Delphi consensus. Additionally, the current challenges of implementing T2T in SLE and how future research may address these issues were analyzed. The framework comprises 5 overarching principles and 11 statements. Despite the absence of formal evidence that T2T offers superiority to conventional SLE management, T2T in SLE has been recommended for over a decade. This task force offers a framework for effectively implementing T2T in SLE from a real-life perspective, informing a wide range of physicians, including those outside the limited circle of lupus specialists.