Tazarotene: a review of its pharmacological profile and potential for clinical use in psoriasis.
Psoriasis appears to be a T-cell-mediated, HLA-associated genetic skin disease that profoundly alters epidermal differentiation in a reversible manner. The topical treatment of mild-to-moderate stable plaque psoriasis is limited by side-effects, cosmetic problems, and often by unsatisfactory efficacy, while systemic therapy is usually not warranted because of safety concerns. Tazarotene is the first member of a novel acetylenic and non-isomerisable class of retinoids to undergo extensive clinical testing. Tazarotene therapy regulates gene transcription via interaction with specific nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs), thereby modulating the three key pathogenic factors in psoriasis. Systemic absorption is minimal and, in contrast to some other retinoids, elimination is rapid. The results of Phase II and Phase III controlled clinical studies have shown tazarotene to be an effective treatment for psoriasis. The clinical response is rapid, and in many patients was sustained for several weeks following discontinuation of therapy. Adverse effects are generally limited to mild-to-moderate local effects, as seen with other topical retinoid therapies. Convenient once-daily application of tazarotene gel is effective first-line monotherapy for mild-to-moderate plaque psoriasis, providing rapid and sustained benefits, while minimal systemic absorption and rapid elimination appear to limit the potential for systemic side-effects.
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Section of Dermatology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Box 47, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.