Summer AAD conference highlights
From September/October 2005 Psoriasis Advance
National Psoriasis Foundation Director of Research Liz Horn, Ph.D., attended the summer
meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). She reports on the conference
highlights that affect the psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis community.
More than 3,000 doctors from across the nation converged in Chicago, Ill., July 20-24 for Academy ’05, the summer meeting of the AAD. Workshops during the four-day conference focused on the latest research and ways to improve existing practices and skills with patients.
A session dedicated to psoriasis was chaired by Steven Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., from Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, N.C. Dr. Feldman encouraged the doctors in the audience to be empathetic, utilize materials from the National Psoriasis Foundation and work with
patients to maximize compliance.
About 50 poster presentations—results of studies from universities or companies—focused on psoriasis. Many were devoted to the biologics Amevive (generic name alefacept), Enbrel (etanercept), Humira (adalimumab), Raptiva (efalizumab) and Remicade (infliximab). We are seeing more data on combination therapy, data collected over longer periods of time and quality of life measures after treatment.
Results from a study of 0.05% clobetasol propionate (CP) spray, a topical steroid used for plaque psoriasis, were presented. At week four, 82 percent of the CP group were considered a treatment success (clear or almost clear) compared to 2 percent of the control group. CP spray, which may be more convenient than creams and ointments, is expected to be available within a year.
A small study of Amevive plus ultraviolet light B phototherapy treatment was presented. This treatment combination improved psoriasis severity measures in 88 percent of patients. An open-label study will further evaluate this treatment combination.
A two-year, phase III study for safety and efficacy of Enbrel is ongoing, and results at 48 weeks were presented. For the first 12 weeks of this study, one group received 50 milligrams (mg) twice weekly of Enbrel and the other a placebo. After 12 weeks, all participants received the same Enbrel dose. At 48 weeks, 65 percent of participants (in both groups) rated their psoriasis as clear or almost clear.
Results from Humira studies were presented. Inhibition of joint structural damage was maintained (determined by X-ray) at one year in psoriatic arthritis patients taking Humira at 40 mg every other week. Quality of life was shown to be greatly improved in patients treated with Humira.
Raptiva doses are based on weight; new data showed that psoriasis treatment success and safety are similar in patients with higher (>100 kg) and lower body weights. Another study found that Raptiva was effective in treating cases of palmar-plantar (palm and sole) psoriasis.
Remicade maintenance treatment decreased enthesopathy (inflammation and pain where the tendon inserts into the bone) in psoriatic arthritis patients and improved quality of life. Results were also presented showing Remicade maintenance treatment every eight weeks resulted in better long-term control of psoriasis than treatment as needed.
Psoriasis treatment remains a very dynamic area of dermatology research. The Psoriasis Foundation encourages the development of new treatments and the continued study of available treatments. We look forward to learning more at winter AAD in March 2006.
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