Search

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that is linked to an increased risk of cancer. Although numerous studies have explored whether neoplasms are concurrent conditions or are induced by psoriasis, a definitive definition remains elusive. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive narrative literature review to offer practical guidance to oncologists and dermatologists regarding the initiation and discontinuation of biologics for psoriasis. The findings indicate that a customized approach is recommended for each patient, and that a history of malignancies does not constitute an absolute contraindication for biologics. Growing evidence supports the treatment of selected patients, emphasizing a nuanced assessment of benefits and risks. There is a lack of data specifying a safe timeframe to initiate biologics following a neoplasm diagnosis due to influences from cancer-related and patient-specific characteristics impacting prognosis. Some patients may continue anti-psoriasis therapy during cancer treatments. Enhanced comprehension of the biological mechanisms in cancer progression and the immune microenvironment of psoriasis holds promise for refining therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, a personalized treatment approach necessitates collaboration between oncologists and dermatologists, considering factors such as cancer prognosis, psoriasis clinical manifestations, patient characteristics, and preferences when making treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mpox is a disease caused by a double-stranded DNA orthopoxvirus discovered in 1958. In 2022, an outbreak on an unprecedented scale marked its transition from neglected, zoonotic disease circulating almost exclusively within African borders to sexually transmitted infection (STI) of international concern. Although phylogenetic evidence suggests progressive evolution from the strain associated with the 2018 outbreak in Nigeria, epidemiological links with previous cases have still not been completely elucidated. Clinically, mpox presents with systemic symptoms, such as fever, headache, malaise and a characteristic cutaneous eruption, similar to that of cognate viruses (e.g. smallpox). Mpox pseudopustules evolve through several stages, including umbilication and crusting, and resolve in the span of 2–3 weeks. The hallmarks that set the 2022 outbreak apart from classic mpox were a disproportionate number of cases occurring in men who have sex with men, an often localized cutaneous picture and a significant burden in terms of concomitant STIs. Investigations into the disease pathogenesis, related immune response, clinical and dermoscopic features, in addition to studies aimed at defining novel management strategies, have advanced mpox knowledge considerably. Herein, recent findings on mpox are reviewed, with a keen focus on dermatological manifestations and their implications in the current diagnostic scenario, reinforcing the pivotal role of dermatologists in managing suspect cases and preventing further spread of the contagion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tildrakizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds selectively the p19 subunit of interleukin‐23. It is approved for treatment of moderate–severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Objectives: We conducted a 52‐week retrospective study to assess the effectiveness and safety of tildrakizumab in a real‐life setting. Methods: Our retrospective study included 237 consecutive adults with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, enrolled in 10 different Italian centres, treated with tildrakizumab up to Week 52. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, previous treatments and the PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) score at each visit (baseline, Week 16, Week 28 and Week 52) were retrieved from the electronic medical records. The percentages of patients achieving 75%, 90% and 100% (PASI 75, PASI 90 and PASI 100) improvement in PASI with respect to baseline PASI were registered. Results: At Week 52, 90.91%, 73.55% and 58.68% of patients achieved a PASI reduction ≥75% (PASI 75), PASI 90 and PASI 100, respectively. An absolute PASI ≤ 2 was reached by 85.95% at Week 52. Compared with Phase 3 clinical trials, we observed similar rates of PASI 75/90 responses and higher percentages of patients achieving PASI 100. Patients who had not responded to previous biologic treatments and patients with cardio‐metabolic comorbidities were significantly more likely to achieve PASI 100 at Week 28 and PASI 90 at Week 52. The higher body mass index did not interfere with the odds of reaching PASI 75/90/100 at each time point. No significant safety findings were recorded throughout the study, and none of the patients had to interrupt the treatment because of adverse events. Conclusion: Our data suggest that the efficacy of tildrakizumab for plaque psoriasis in 'real‐life' clinical practice is comparable with Phase 3 clinical trials with higher percentages of patients achieving complete skin clearance (PASI 100) at Weeks 16, 28 and 52. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CPD questions Learning objective To gain up-to-date knowledge about the pathogenesis of pyoderma gangrenosum and the relationship between treatment with brodalumab and pyoderma gangrenosum. Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare inflammatory skin disease classified within the group of neutrophilic dermatoses. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Few studies have compared the use of different biologics in a real-life setting in plaque psoriasis patients. Objective: To compare the efficacy of biologics in psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis patients. Methods: Patients treated with adalimumab, etanercept and ustekinumab for at least 16 weeks were included. Achievement of Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), PASI 90/100 response and time taken to achieve PASI 90/100 response were measured. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of psoriasis localization on achievement of PASI 100 response. Results: Two hundred and fifty five patients were included. No difference was observed in PASI 90 response between etanercept and ustekinumab (65.5 vs. 55.4%), while adalimumab-treated patients had a higher response versusustekinumab (71.6 vs. 55.4%, p =.02). More patients achieved complete remission (PASI 100 response) with adalimumab versus etanercept (65.7 vs. 23%, p <.001) or ustekinumab (65.7 vs. 44.6%, p =.003). Adalimumab-treated patients achieving PASI 90 responded more quickly (by three and six months) versus ustekinumab or etanercept. PASI100 response was achieved in ∼43% of adalimumab and ustekinumab treated-patients by three months versus etanercept (14.3%), increasing to 92.5, 85.4 and 35.7%, respectively by six months. PASI100 response was associated with psoriasis nail involvement or genital psoriasis. Conclusion: In the real-life setting, adalimumab was the most effective biological agent for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although long-term management of psoriasis is paramount, this approach is challenging in clinical practice. In the recent PSO-LONG trial, a fixed-dose combination of betamethasone dipropionate (BD) and calcipotriol (Cal) foam applied twice a week on non-consecutive days for 52 weeks (proactive treatment) reduced the risk of relapse. However, the role of Cal/BD foam in the long-term management of psoriasis needs further clarifications. The ProActive Management (PAM) program, a nationwide Italian project, aims at reaching a consensus on the role of proactive management of psoriasis., Methods: A steering committee generated some statements through the nominal group technique (NGT). The statements were voted by an expert panel in an adapted Delphi voting process., Results: Eighteen statements were proposed, and the majority of them (14/18) reached a consensus during the Delphi voting. The need to provide long-term proactive topical treatment to reduce the risk of relapse for the treatment of challenging diseases sites or in patients where phototherapy or systemic therapies are contraindicated/ineffective was widely recognized. A consensus was reached about the possibility to associate the proactive treatment with systemic and biological therapies, without the need for dose intensification, thus favoring a prolonged remission. Moreover, the proactive treatment was recognized as more effective than weekend therapy in increasing time free from relapses. Approaches to improve adherence, on the other hand, need further investigation., Conclusions: The inclusion in guidelines of a proactive strategy among the effective treatment options will be a fundamental step in the evolution of a mild-moderate psoriasis therapeutic approach., (© 2022 The Authors. International Journal of Dermatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of the International Society of Dermatology.)