Recommendations for the use of etanercept in psoriasis: a European dermatology expert group consensus.
BACKGROUND
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disorder that has a significant impact on quality of life and, particularly in moderate to severe cases, adversely affects the patient's overall health and well-being. Biological treatments, such as etanercept, are being widely adopted across Europe for treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis due to favourable safety and efficacy profiles. The increase in usage, combined with a growing body of clinical evidence, has identified a need to clarify the best use of etanercept within its current treatment label.


OBJECTIVE
To prepare a series of recommendations agreed by an expert group of dermatologists, relating to the most effective use of etanercept for psoriasis in Europe, within the product license.


METHODS
An expert panel of dermatologists from across Europe completed a Delphi survey to address the current use of etanercept in psoriasis in Europe. In June 2005 the results were presented to the expert panel at their nominal group meeting, and a consensus was agreed.


RESULTS
It was recommended that, where possible, patients are initiated on the 50 mg twice-weekly (BIW) dose. Etanercept should be given until remission is achieved (maximum 24 weeks) and retreatment should be initiated according to the physician's judgement. Before commencing treatment, contraindications, such as infection or previous malignancy (within 5 years), should be ruled out.


CONCLUSIONS
The consensus presented herein provides valuable clarification of use of etanercept according to the label, which may have wider implications relating to the use of all biological therapies in psoriasis.
Boehncke
W-H
WH
Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany. boehncke@em.uni-frankfurt.de
Brasie
R A
RA
Barker
J
J
Chimenti
S
S
Daudén
E
E
de Rie
M
M
Dubertret
L
L
Giannetti
A
A
Katsambas
A
A
Kragballe
K
K
Naeyaert
J M
JM
Ortonne
J-P
JP
Peyrí
J
J
Prinz
J C
JC
Saurat
J-H
JH
Strohal
R
R
van de Kerkhof
P
P
Sterry
W
W
D000293:Adolescent; D001688:Biological Products / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000075202:Contraindications; D003697:Delphi Technique; D000068800:Etanercept; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012074:Remission Induction
D001688:Biological Products; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D000068800:Etanercept