Utilization of Narrow-Band Ultraviolet Light B Therapy and Etanercept for the Treatment of Psoriasis(UNITE): Efficacy, Safety, and Patient-Reported Outcomes

March 2008 | Volume 7 | Issue 3 | Original Article | 245 | Copyright © March 2008


Leon Kircik MD, Jerry Bagel MD, Neil Korman MD PhD, Alan Menter MD, Craig A. Elmets MD,John Koo MD, Yu-Ching Yang PhD, Chiun-Fang Chiou PhD, Frank Dann MD, Seth R. Stevens MD

Abstract
Background: Moderate to severe psoriasis is a significant inflammatory disease that frequently requires systemic therapies to effectively treat the underlying disorder. Etanercept and narrow-band ultraviolet light B (NB-UVB) are widely used to treat this disease.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness, tolerability, and patient-reported outcomes of combination etanercept plus NB-UVB phototherapy in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.

Methods: This 12-week, single-arm, open-label study evaluated the combination of etanercept 50 mg twice weekly and NB-UVB thrice weekly in 86 patients. The primary outcome measure was ≥75% improvement from baseline in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75). Other measures included PASI 90, PASI 100, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Results: At week 12, 26.0% achieved PASI 100, 58.1% achieved PASI 90, and 84.9% of patients achieved PASI 75. Mean improvement from baseline in DLQI was 84.4%. No unexpected, untoward adverse events were noted.

Conclusions: A 12-week course of etanercept plus NB-UVB phototherapy was well tolerated and produced clinically meaningful improvements in signs and symptoms of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and in patient-reported outcomes. Further investigation of the safety and efficacy of the use of such combination for this indication in controlled clinical trials would be of interest.