[Efalizumab--therapy of moderately severe to severe plaque-psoriasis in the dermatologist's practice]

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disease with highly variable patterns of presentation, both between patients and in individuals over time. Its course can be influenced by various triggers. Since there is no cure for psoriasis, patients with moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis often require lifelong therapy to control their disease. Traditional approaches such as cyclosporine or methotrexate are problematic for long-term use because of organ toxicity, other side effects, drug interactions and a loss of efficacy over time. Efalizumab is a recombinant monoclonal IgG1-antibody, approved in Germany for the management of moderate-to-severe plaque-type psoriasis. Its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in clinical trials with thousands of patients,especially with regard to long-term therapy. Therefore, a change of paradigm from the traditional therapy of inflammatory episodes to continuous control of psoriasis seems possible. This supplement deals with practical aspects of using efalizumab in the outpatient setting.