Efficacy of etanercept for the treatment of psoriasis: an overview of the Italian clinical experience from the real-life setting and independent studies

Abstract

Etanercept is a dimeric fusion protein consisting of the extracellular portion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) p75 receptor and human IgG1 Fc fragment, which, similarly to the physiological soluble TNF receptor, is capable of binding TNF-α and lymphotoxin. The mechanism of action of etanercept in psoriatic disease and other approved indications is mediated by the neutralization of soluble TNF-α leading to a modulation of the immune response. Clinical trials have provided robust evidence supporting the sustained efficacy and safety of etanercept in psoriasis, as both intermittent and continuous therapy. The aim of this manuscript was to review the efficacy profile of etanercept in psoriasis according to the clinical experience gained by Italian dermatological centers and derived from the available publications on this topic. Everyday practice confirms that etanercept is a valuable and flexible therapeutic tool for the management of high-need psoriasis patients.

Survival rate of antitumour necrosis factor-α treatments for psoriasis in routine dermatological practice: a multicentre observational study

“…In a monotherapy regimen with an anti-TNF-a agent, the early clinical response may also be conditioned by the persistent effect of previous treatments that could have been stopped shortly before the start of anti-TNF-a therapy. As previously mentioned, conditions and rules of everyday practice differ from those of RCTs, 20 and, in a clinical setting, a wash-out period prior to the administration of a new treatment could be lacking. AEs were a less common reason for treatment interruption in our patient sample, and withdrawals due to AEs appeared to involve more patients with concomitant PsA and to occur more frequently among infliximab-treated patients, as confirmed by previous reports.…”

An observational study of the real-life management of psoriasis patients treated with etanercept according to the new reimbursement criteria (in Belgium)

“…According to clinical experience of efficacy profiles gained by Italian dermatological centers, real-world practice confirms that flexible dosing with etanercept is a valuable therapeutic tool for the management of patients with psoriasis considered to be high-need (20). While flexible dosing has been approved for etanercept, other biologics used for the treatment of psoriasis are as yet only indicated for continuous use.…”