title: Recommendations for the use of etanercept in psoriasis: a European dermatology expert group consensus.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany. boehncke@em.uni-frankfurt.de
authors.forename: W-H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Boehncke
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Brasie
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barker
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chimenti
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Daudén
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: de Rie
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dubertret
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giannetti
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Katsambas
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kragballe
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Naeyaert
authors.forename: J-P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Ortonne
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Peyrí
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Prinz
authors.forename: J-H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Saurat
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Strohal
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: van de Kerkhof
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Sterry
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001688:Biological Products; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D000068800:Etanercept