Could using NB-UVB help after Bio failure in psoriasis patients

[Fred]

This study although small looked at the possibility of NB-UVB (narrow band ultraviolet-B phototherapy) being used after a bio treatment failure.

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Background/Purpose:
Biological therapy has demonstrated a very satisfactory anti-psoriatic effect; however, the loss of response with time has been reported.

Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy of the narrow band ultraviolet-B phototherapy (NB-UVB) as a rescue in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who have lost efficacy in their biological treatment.

Methods:
A retrospective chart review study was conducted on patients with moderate to severe psoriasis receiving treatment with a biologic, with a good initial response that subsequently had lost efficacy. All the patients received combined treatment with NB-UVB.

Results:
Seventeen patients were included, with a mean age of 44 years. The biologics were: 8 etanercept, 4 adalimumab, 3 ustekinumab, 1 efalizumab, and 1 infliximab. The mean NB-UVB sessions was 25 (7–48 sessions), with a mean accumulated dose of 31.12 J/cm2 (5.2–94.6 J/cm2). Sixteen patients had the following results: 44% PASI 90–100, 31.3% PASI 75–89, and 25% PASI 50–74 response.

Conclusion:
According to this study on clinical practice, it could be considered that the use of NB-UVB along with biological drugs that have lost efficacy in controlling moderate to severe psoriasis in adults could contribute to the recovery of the initial response.

Source: NO LINKS ALLOWED

Enbrel (etanercept)
Humira (adalimumab)
Stelara (ustekinumab)
Remicade (infliximab)

*Efalizuma - Raptiva is no longer used after Genentech Inc announced a phased voluntary withdrawal in 2009.