Alefacept in combination with ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis: results from an open-label, multicenter study

J Drugs Dermatol. 2006 Jul-Aug;5(7):623-8.

Abstract

Combination therapy for moderate to severe psoriasis is often used to enhance efficacy and minimize treatment-related side effects; however, data are limited on combination therapy with the newer biologic agents. The current study examined patients who received alefacept in combination with ultraviolet B phototherapy as part of an international, open-label study evaluating up to 3 courses of alefacept in combination with other psoriasis therapies. Physician Global Assessment [corrected] scores improved by [greater than or equal to] 1 category in 88% [corrected] of patients and by [greater than or equal to] 2 categories in 76% [corrected] of patients in course A; [corrected] corresponding response rates were 100% and 55% in Course [corrected] B, and 85% and 77% in Course [corrected] C. At week 14, a PGA of "almost clear" or "clear" was achieved by 13%, 14%, and 8% of patients in courses A, B, and C, respectively. There was no evidence of a cumulative effect on T cells after multiple courses of therapy. The combination of alefacept and ultraviolet B was well tolerated and provided improvement in psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Alefacept
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Selection
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / immunology
  • Psoriasis / radiotherapy*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / therapeutic use*
  • Safety
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultraviolet Therapy*

Substances

  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Alefacept