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Lupus nephritis is a relevant source of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematusus. The standard therapy of remission induction in severe lupus nephritis is based on the use of monthly intravenous cyclophosphamide. Recent data have established that the maintenance of remission in lupus nephritis can be achieved with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil, with less adverse effects than quarterly intravenous cydophosphamide. In recent years, a number of controlled randomized clinical trials have been published, opening new therapeutic options in the induction of remission in lupus nephritis, such as less aggressive regimens of intravenous cydophosphamide or mycophenolate mofetil. Further studies are needed for establishing the optimal therapy of lupus nephritis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]