Title: Understanding Lupus – Demographics, Diagnosis, and Breakthrough Treatments

Episode Summary: Lupus is one of the most complex autoimmune diseases—but science is changing the game. In this episode of Talking in the Woods, host Christopher Wood explains lupus in plain language: what it is, who it affects, and how doctors diagnose it. Plus, we explore cutting-edge treatments that offer hope for patients.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What lupus is and how it affects the body
• Key demographics and why ethnicity matters in treatment
• How lupus is diagnosed: ANA, anti-dsDNA, and anti-Smith tests
• SLEDAI scoring and why it’s important
• Breakthrough therapies: CAR T-cell therapy, B-cell targeting drugs, and clinical trial pipeline
• Lifestyle tips to reduce flares and improve quality of life
• Real patient story: Sierra’s journey to remission

Resources Mentioned

• Lupus Foundation of America: https://www.lupus.org
• Clinical Trials: https://clinicaltrials.gov
• CAR T-cell Therapy Case Study: Nature Medicine

References

1. Patient Story – Sierra’s Journey to Remission Case Study: “CAR T-Cell Therapy in Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.” Published in Nature Medicine, 2022. Read the full article: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02073-9
2. Podcast Series Reference Talking in the Woods – Science Behind the Script: From Lab to Life. Explore all episodes:
3. Future Therapies & Clinical Pipeline Fanouriakis A, et al. “Update on the Management of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.” Published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 2023. Read the full article: https://ard.bmj.com/content/early/2023

🎧 Listen now to explore lupus from symptoms to science—and discover the future of treatment.