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Efalizumab in routine use: a clinical experience
N Selenko-Gebauer1, F Karlhofer, G Stingl
1Division of Immunology, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. nicole.selenko-gebauer@meduniwien.ac.at
The British Journal of Dermatology
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Biological therapies offer long-term psoriasis control. Efalizumab is safe and effective, with two-thirds of patients achieving significant Psoriasis Area and Severity Index reduction within 12 weeks.
Area of Science:
- Immunodermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Biological therapies are revolutionizing psoriasis management.
- Continuous long-term control is increasingly achievable.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report clinical experience with biological therapies, specifically efalizumab.
- To evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of efalizumab in a large psoriatic patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of over 550 psoriatic patients treated with biologics.
- Focus on a subgroup of 220 patients receiving efalizumab.
- Assessment of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) reduction and long-term maintenance.
Main Results:
- Efalizumab demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile.
- Approximately two-thirds of patients achieved ≥50% PASI reduction after 12 weeks.
- Therapeutic efficacy was maintained long-term (up to 36 months) in early responders.
- Flares were infrequent, often infection-related, and managed without discontinuing efalizumab.
Conclusions:
- Efalizumab provides effective and durable psoriasis control.
- Management of flares involves addressing triggers and adjunct therapies.
- Close patient-physician communication is crucial for compliance and treatment success.
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