By Allison Sit
HCP Live covered a March JDD study in its article, “Acne-Related Social Media Content Lacking Dermatologist Input.” The study, “Acne Information on Instagram: Quality of Content and the Role of Dermatologists on Social Media,” was conducted by Suzanne Ward, MD, and Nathan Rojek, MD, of the University of California, Irvine. The investigators evaluated 439 Instagram posts using the hashtag #acne and found that dermatologists were responsible for only 17 of the posts – less than 4% of the content. About 250 posts mentioned at least one specific intervention, but only 11% referenced a treatment with grade A evidence based on the American Academy of Dermatology guidelines. In all, the posts proposed more than 120 separate ingredients as potential acne treatments. The authors encourage dermatologists to generate content and support one another in promoting high-quality, evidence-based treatments for acne on Instagram.
Healio wrote two articles about JDD studies on calcipotriene and betamethasone dipropionate for psoriasis. One article, “CAL/BDP Cream More Efficacious, Convenient Than Gel Formulation,” focused on a March JDD study by April Armstrong, MD, and colleagues entitled, “Pooled Analysis Demonstrating Superior Patient-Reported Psoriasis Treatment Outcomes for Calcipotriene/ Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream Versus Suspension/Gel.” This study analyzed patient reported outcomes from two phase 3 trials on the effectiveness of an alternative to CAL/BDP fixed-dose combination products as the authors report these products can be sticky, greasy and inconvenient to use for many patients. The novel treatment is based on PAD™ Technology (PAD-cream) that protects the drug substances from degradation during storage. The result is a non-greasy, easily spreadable white cream that absorbs completely into the skin. Trial results showed substantial improvement in quality of life and treatment satisfaction. The authors surmise that CAL/BDP PAD-cream may lead to better adherence to treatment, which ultimately could result in better treatment outcomes in clinical practice.
Healio also wrote about a JDD study on the effectiveness of adjunctive Cal/BD foam for plaque psoriasis patients who had residual plaques following ixekizumab. “Adjunctive Cal/BD Foam Treatment Safe, Effective Option for Difficult-to-Treat Psoriasis” is based on the March JDD study, “Adjunctive Use of Calcipotriene 0.005%/Betamethasone Dipropionate 0.064% Foam in Patients With Psoriasis Treated With Ixekizumab” by Jerry Bagel, MD, MS, and colleague. The authors analyzed the impact of Cal/BD foam on adult patients with a residual body surface area of 3-8%. All patients continued treatment with ixekizumab and received once-daily Cal/BD foam for four weeks, followed by every other day for weeks eight to 12. After four weeks of daily Cal/BD foam, 56% of patients achieved the treat-to-target goal of 1% or less BSA. Improvements in disease severity outcomes were maintained after reducing Cal/BD dosing frequency. The authors note that adjunctive treatment with Cal/BD foam is a safe and versatile treatment option in patients with suboptimal response to biologic therapy.
