Infliximab for psoriasis

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Aug;49(2 Suppl):S112-7. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(03)01143-5.

Abstract

This review summarizes the use of inflximab in psoriasis and other immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMIDs). The magnitude and speed of the response to infliximab monotherapy of moderate to severe psoriasis vulgaris is substantial, being similar to those achieved with cyclosporin. In contrast with cyclosporin, clinical improvement after the initial 3 intravenous influsions of infliximab is maintained for as long as 6 months in approximately half the patients with the absence of any additional treatment. Additionally, infliximab monotherapy normalizes keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and markedly decreases epidermal inflammation. These results provide a convincing argument for the role of TNF-alpha in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and for the clinical development of infliximab for the treatment of psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects
  • Dermatologic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Interactions
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab