Alefacept in Combination with Ultraviolet B Phototherapy for the Treatment of Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: Results from an Open-Label, Multicenter Study

July 2006 | Volume 5 | Issue 7 | Original Article | 623 | Copyright © July 2006


John Y. M. Koo MD, Jerry Bagel MD, Marianne T. Sweetser MD PhD, Barry S. Ticho MD PhD

Abstract
Combination therapy for moderate to severe psoriasis is often used to enhance efficacy and minimize treatment-related side effects; however, data are limited on combination therapy with the newer biologic agents. The current study examined patients who received alefacept in combination with ultraviolet B phototherapy as part of an international, open-label study evaluating up to 3 courses of alefacept in combination with other psoriasis therapies. Physician Global Assessment (PGA) scores improved by 2 or more categories in 76% of patients and by 1 or more categories in 88% of patients in course A. Corresponding response rates were 100% and 55% in course B, and 85% and 77% in course C. At week 14, a PGA of “almost clear” or “clear” was achieved by 13%, 14%, and 8% of patients in courses A, B, and C, respectively. There was no evidence of a cumulative effect on T cells after multiple courses of therapy. The combination of alefacept and ultraviolet B was well tolerated and provided improvement in psoriasis.