title: Alefacept in combination with ultraviolet B phototherapy for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis: results from an open-label, multicenter study.
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.
authors.affiliation: Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA. john.koo@ucsfmedctr.org
authors.forename: John Y M
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Koo
authors.forename: Jerry
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bagel
authors.forename: Marianne T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Sweetser
authors.forename: Barry S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Ticho
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000077944:Alefacept; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy
chemical_list: D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D000077944:Alefacept