LAS VEGAS – Biologic-naive psoriasis patients had stronger responses to treatment than those who were previously treated and switched from one biologic to another, according to a systematic review of 15 studies in adults with psoriasis.
In a real-world setting, patients who fail treatment with a tumor necrosis factor–alfa (TNF-alfa) inhibitor or ustekinumab may be switched from one treatment to another, Steven R. Feldman, MD, professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C., said in a poster presented at the Skin Disease Education Foundation’s annual Las Vegas Dermatology Seminar. “However, there is conflicting evidence of reduced effectiveness in later lines of treatment,” he added.
Dr. Steven R. Feldman
In four of the studies, biologic-naive patients showed significantly better responses when given anti-TNF agents than patients who had been treated with a biologic. Another study showed that the reduced effectiveness of adalimumab treatment was associated with the number of previous treatments with anti-TNFs (hazard ratio, 1.63). Another study found an association between previous treatment with etanercept and loss of response and serious adverse effects (HR, 4.32).
The other nine studies suggested some evidence of effectiveness for treatment with anti-TNFs or ustekinumab as later lines of treatment for psoriasis patients, but most of the studies (six of nine) did not include information on whether the results were statistically significant.
“More real-world evidence and future research in studies with large sample sizes are needed to further understand the role of anti-TNF and ustekinumab as later-line treatment in psoriasis management,” Dr. Feldman said.
He disclosed relationships with multiple companies, including study sponsor Novartis; one of the study coauthors is affiliated with Novartis. SDEF and this organization are owned by the same parent company.