[Opinion of Spanish dermatologists regarding the use of biologic therapy in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Biologic therapy has represented a major advance in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis but its use depends upon the characteristics of the patient and the criteria applied by the dermatologist. The aim of this survey was to determine the criteria employed by dermatologists in the decision to use these drugs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken among Spanish dermatologists with experience in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. The survey comprised 31 items distributed in 5 sections: investigator profile, disease management, treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis, use of biologic drugs, and evaluation of the use of biologic drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.

RESULTS

One hundred-ninety dermatologists were included in the study. The study participants reported that 31% of patients receiving treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis are treated with biologic drugs. Of those, 28% require a change in treatment at some point due either to lack of activity or the appearance of side effects. Biologic drugs would be administered as monotherapy in 73% of cases. In between 53% and 59% of cases, biologic drugs would be prescribed as continuous treatments. On a scale of 1 to 5, the most valued pharmacological properties by dermatologists were safety (4.8 points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.7-4.9), long-term efficacy (4.6 points [4.5-4.7]), and tolerance (4.5 [4.4-4.6]).

CONCLUSIONS

Dermatologists with experience in the use of biologic drugs employ this treatment option in slightly more than a quarter of cases of moderate to severe psoriasis. In their opinion, the choice of biologic drug should be based on, in order of importance, safety, long-term efficacy, and tolerance.