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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Biological therapy of psoriasis
Raja K Sivamani1, Genevieve Correa, Yoko Ono
1Department of Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA 95128.
Indian Journal of Dermatology
|July 8, 2010
Summary
Biologic therapies have revolutionized psoriasis treatment by targeting specific immune components. While generally safe and effective for immune-mediated diseases, concerns exist regarding potential risks like lymphoma and infections with anti-TNF-alpha agents.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Psoriasis treatment has evolved significantly with the introduction of biologic therapies.
- Biologics represent a technological advancement over traditional immunosuppressive medications.
- These therapies target specific immune system components, offering new treatment avenues for immune-mediated diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advancements in biologic therapies for psoriasis.
- To discuss the mechanisms of action and applications of new biologics like ustekinumab.
- To address safety concerns associated with biologic use, including risks of lymphoma and infections.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on biologic therapies for psoriasis.
- Analysis of the mechanisms of action for various biologic agents.
- Evaluation of safety data and reported adverse events associated with biologic treatments.
Main Results:
- Biologic therapies, including anti-TNF-alpha agents and ustekinumab, have transformed psoriasis management.
- Ustekinumab targets the p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23 cytokines, offering a new approach for T-cell-mediated diseases.
- While generally well-tolerated, biologics carry potential risks such as lymphoma and opportunistic infections.
Conclusions:
- Biologic therapies are a major advancement in treating psoriasis and other immune-mediated conditions.
- Careful monitoring for adverse events, including infections and potential malignancy, is crucial during biologic therapy.
- The development of targeted biologics continues to offer new hope for patients with complex immune-mediated diseases.
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