An open-label study to evaluate the transition of patients with chronic plaque psoriasis from cyclosporine to alefacept.
Eleven patients with well-controlled psoriasis on cyclosporine (Physician's Global Assessment [PGA] of "mild" or better) participated in an open-label study that evaluated a strategy for transition to alefacept. Using this transition strategy, 7 of 11 patients (64%) maintained PGA scores. Quality of life improved or was maintained in all patients. Adverse events and reductions in CD4+ T cell counts were consistent with those seen during alefacept monotherapy.
Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA. maglioma@umdnj.edu
Melissa A
MA
Magliocco
Ann Marie
AM
Lozano
Claudia
C
Van Saders
Kristine W
KW
Schuler
Alice B
AB
Gottlieb
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000077944:Alefacept; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003139:Common Cold / Q000209:etiology; D016572:Cyclosporine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005491:Focal Infection, Dental / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019233:Retreatment; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D016572:Cyclosporine; D000077944:Alefacept