title: Methotrexate for psoriasis in the era of biological therapy.
abstract: Methotrexate's traditional role as a first line agent for moderate to severe psoriasis is being challenged by the rapid and growing use of biological therapies. A recent study comparing adalimumab with methotrexate showed significantly superior efficacy of adalimumab over methotrexate over 16 weeks. Although it is inexpensive, the future use of methotrexate may be compromised by its unpredictable response and toxicity, and by the introduction of newer, more effective biological therapies. However, recent advances in the screening of liver fibrosis by monitoring serum levels of the aminoterminal peptide fragment of type III procollagen have reduced the need for liver biopsy. Furthermore, the potential for personalized methotrexate use by application of modern pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics may ensure its place as a first-line agent for the treatment of psoriasis for the foreseeable future.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatological Sciences, Salford Royal Hospital, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. richard.warren@manchester.ac.uk
authors.forename: R B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Warren
authors.forename: R J G
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Chalmers
authors.forename: C E M
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Menter
mesh_terms: D000068879:Adalimumab; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D001706:Biopsy; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008111:Liver Function Tests / Q000379:methods; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D000068879:Adalimumab; D008727:Methotrexate