Tumor necrosis factor antagonists in the therapy of psoriasis

Clin Dermatol. 2008 Sep-Oct;26(5):486-502. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2007.10.030.

Abstract

The identification of new pathophysiological mechanisms in chronic inflammatory diseases and the development of techniques that allow production of antibodies and fusion proteins that antagonize target molecules with high specificity has not only revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and chronic inflammatory bowel disease, but it also has revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis in recent years. Two different classes of so-called biological therapies (biologics) have become available to treat psoriasis: tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists and T-cell modulators. TNF antagonists that have been studied with psoriasis include the antibodies infliximab and adalimumab and the fusion protein etanercept. These treatments differ in their capacity to reduce the skin symptoms of psoriasis and other important characteristics of the drug profile. This article summarizes the important aspects of efficacy, safety, and practicability of TNF antagonists in the treatment of psoriasis. This article may be helpful for the daily routine when selecting the right therapy for a patient and managing the TNF antagonist during maintenance therapy.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adalimumab
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / adverse effects
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Etanercept
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / adverse effects
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use*
  • Infliximab
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Quality of Life
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / therapeutic use*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab
  • Adalimumab
  • Etanercept