BACKGROUND

Despite increasing therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis, dermatologists' treatment preferences are unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to assess dermatologists' preferences for first-line treatments and their selection determinants.

METHODS

We surveyed 1000 US dermatologists (500 National Psoriasis Foundation and 500 American Academy of Dermatology members who treat psoriasis) about their preferences for first-line treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis in healthy adults of childbearing age using standardized patient vignettes.

RESULTS

The response rate was 39% (N = 387). Preferred therapies for male and female patients were: ultraviolet (UV) B (40% and 56%, respectively), etanercept (15% and 19%), methotrexate (16% and 4%), and adalimumab (12% and 10%). Of respondents, 66% administered phototherapy in their practice. After adjusting for all physician characteristics, those preferring first-line UVB for male or female patients were significantly more likely to have phototherapy in their practice (odds ratio [OR] 3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.8-6.6 and OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.5-5.3, respectively) and to have used UVB in more than 10 patients in the last 3 months (OR 8.0, 95% CI 3.9-16.4; OR 9.6, 95% CI 4.3-21.6). Dermatologists in the Midwest were more likely than those in the Northeast to prefer adalimumab first line for male and female patients.

LIMITATIONS

We surveyed only dermatologists with interest in treating psoriasis and elicited their treatment preferences for a single base case scenario. Treatment preferences may differ between survey respondents and nonrespondents.

CONCLUSION

UVB is most commonly preferred as a first-line treatment for moderate to severe psoriasis in healthy adults, and preferences vary based on region, phototherapy availability, and prior treatment use.