Ustekinumab improves health-related quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: results from the PHOENIX 1 trial

Br J Dermatol. 2010 Jan;162(1):137-46. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09491.x. Epub 2009 Nov 9.

Abstract

Background PHOENIX 1 was a phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that demonstrated the long-term efficacy and safety of ustekinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Objectives To assess the effect of ustekinumab maintenance therapy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in PHOENIX 1 patients. Patients and methods Patients (n = 766) were randomized to receive ustekinumab 45 mg (n = 255) or 90 mg (n = 256) at weeks 0 and 4 and every 12 weeks thereafter, or placebo (n = 255) at weeks 0 and 4 with crossover to ustekinumab at week 12. Ustekinumab-randomized patients achieving at least 75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) 75 at weeks 28 and 40 were re-randomized at week 40 to continue ustekinumab or be withdrawn until loss of therapeutic effect. HRQoL was assessed using the SF-36 and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Results At baseline, more than 97% had a DLQI > 1 and the average DLQI was > 10, indicating a significant impact on patients' HRQoL. Significantly greater proportions of patients receiving ustekinumab 45 and 90 mg achieved a normalized DLQI score (< or = 1) compared with placebo (53.2%, 52.4% and 6.0%, respectively, both P < 0.001) at week 12 and achieved a clinically meaningful improvement (increase of at least five points) in SF-36 physical (23.1%, 33.7% and 15.6%) and mental (25.5%, 31.3% and 14.8%) component summary scores. At week 12, changes in individual DLQI and SF-36 domains were significantly better in each ustekinumab group vs. placebo (P < 0.001). The magnitude of improvement across SF-36 scales was greatest for the bodily pain and social functioning domains. Improvements in HRQoL were sustained with maintenance ustekinumab therapy through at least 1 year. Regression analysis showed that, after adjustment for improvement in PASI or Physician's Global Assessment (PGA), ustekinumab-treated patients demonstrated significant improvements in DLQI. Conclusions Ustekinumab improves HRQoL in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Patient-reported outcomes measured a treatment effect beyond that indicated by clinical measures.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Psoriasis / psychology
  • Quality of Life*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Ustekinumab

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Ustekinumab