Psoriasis and its treatment with infliximab-mediated tumor necrosis factor alpha blockade

Dermatol Clin. 2004 Oct;22(4):437-47, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.det.2004.03.011.

Abstract

The pathogenesis of psoriasis, a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease,involves increased concentrations and activity of several proinflammatory cytokines,including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Infliximab is a chimeric human-murine TNF-alpha antibody that selectively blocks the activity of TNF-alpha. In controlled clinical trials, infliximab treatment has produced rapid and sustained improvements in psoriasis lesions and psoriatic joint involvement, with a favorable short-term safety and tolerability profile. Treatment with infliximab may be associated with an increased risk of infection or infusion reaction: however, the side-effect profile of infliximab in patients with psoriasis remains to be fully characterized, and assessment of infliximab in this population is currently ongoing in phase 3 studies. Comprehensive evaluation in controlled trials may allow infliximab to take its place among the expanding group of biologic drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / administration & dosage*
  • Dermatologic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infliximab
  • Male
  • Maximum Tolerated Dose
  • Psoriasis / diagnosis*
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / drug effects*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Infliximab