Recent research by Steven Feldman, MD, PhD, and colleagues,1 examined different psoriasis treatments and found that although newer psoriasis treatments provide improved efficacy and safety compared to traditional treatments, challenges remain in ensuring patients have access to their medications.
The lifetime impact of psoriasis is significant. Patients who are diagnosed with psoriasis have an increased risk for early mortality. Additionally, patients with psoriasis have an increased prevalence of comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Anxiety, depression, and social isolation, are also commonly reported, and psoriasis can negatively impact patients' relationships, productivity, and careers. The physical, psychologic, social, and economic impact of psoriasis, plus the associated stigma, result in cumulative impairment over a patient's lifetime, the researchers noted.
Although current treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis include many options, such as topical therapy, phototherapy, and systemic drugs (nonbiologic and biologic), the researchers found patient satisfaction often remains low. Combination therapy and treatment switching also are common, and many patients remain untreated or undertreated.
“Clinicians should consider their patients holistically, and should select treatment based on a range of factors, including disease severity (with physical and psychosocial manifestations), susceptibility to cumulative life-course impairment (considering personality, behavior, and cognition), comorbidities, concomitant medication, and patient preference,” they concluded.
It is estimated that the total annual direct cost of treating psoriasis across the nation totaled $12.2 billion in 2012, according to the research. An improved understanding of the barriers to appropriate treatment is also needed, along with clear and accessible information for payers and clinicians on current treatment options so decision makers can control costs while providing optimal care, the researchers said.
—Julie Gould
Reference:
1. Feldman SR, Goffe B, Rice G, et al. The Challenge of Managing Psoriasis: Unmet Medical Needs and Stakeholder Perspectives. Am Health Drug Benefits. 2016;9(9):504-513.
Recent research by Steven Feldman, MD, PhD, and colleagues,1 examined different psoriasis treatments and found that although newer psoriasis treatments provide improved efficacy and safety compared to traditional treatments, challenges remain in ensuring patients have access to their medications.
The lifetime impact of psoriasis is significant. Patients who are diagnosed with psoriasis have an increased risk for early mortality. Additionally, patients with psoriasis have an increased prevalence of comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Anxiety, depression, and social isolation, are also commonly reported, and psoriasis can negatively impact patients' relationships, productivity, and careers. The physical, psychologic, social, and economic impact of psoriasis, plus the associated stigma, result in cumulative impairment over a patient's lifetime, the researchers noted.
Although current treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis include many options, such as topical therapy, phototherapy, and systemic drugs (nonbiologic and biologic), the researchers found patient satisfaction often remains low. Combination therapy and treatment switching also are common, and many patients remain untreated or undertreated.
“Clinicians should consider their patients holistically, and should select treatment based on a range of factors, including disease severity (with physical and psychosocial manifestations), susceptibility to cumulative life-course impairment (considering personality, behavior, and cognition), comorbidities, concomitant medication, and patient preference,” they concluded.
It is estimated that the total annual direct cost of treating psoriasis across the nation totaled $12.2 billion in 2012, according to the research. An improved understanding of the barriers to appropriate treatment is also needed, along with clear and accessible information for payers and clinicians on current treatment options so decision makers can control costs while providing optimal care, the researchers said.
—Julie Gould
Reference:
1. Feldman SR, Goffe B, Rice G, et al. The Challenge of Managing Psoriasis: Unmet Medical Needs and Stakeholder Perspectives. Am Health Drug Benefits. 2016;9(9):504-513.
Recent research by Steven Feldman, MD, PhD, and colleagues,1 examined different psoriasis treatments and found that although newer psoriasis treatments provide improved efficacy and safety compared to traditional treatments, challenges remain in ensuring patients have access to their medications.
The lifetime impact of psoriasis is significant. Patients who are diagnosed with psoriasis have an increased risk for early mortality. Additionally, patients with psoriasis have an increased prevalence of comorbidities, including psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Anxiety, depression, and social isolation, are also commonly reported, and psoriasis can negatively impact patients' relationships, productivity, and careers. The physical, psychologic, social, and economic impact of psoriasis, plus the associated stigma, result in cumulative impairment over a patient's lifetime, the researchers noted.
Although current treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis include many options, such as topical therapy, phototherapy, and systemic drugs (nonbiologic and biologic), the researchers found patient satisfaction often remains low. Combination therapy and treatment switching also are common, and many patients remain untreated or undertreated.
“Clinicians should consider their patients holistically, and should select treatment based on a range of factors, including disease severity (with physical and psychosocial manifestations), susceptibility to cumulative life-course impairment (considering personality, behavior, and cognition), comorbidities, concomitant medication, and patient preference,” they concluded.
It is estimated that the total annual direct cost of treating psoriasis across the nation totaled $12.2 billion in 2012, according to the research. An improved understanding of the barriers to appropriate treatment is also needed, along with clear and accessible information for payers and clinicians on current treatment options so decision makers can control costs while providing optimal care, the researchers said.
—Julie Gould
Reference:
1. Feldman SR, Goffe B, Rice G, et al. The Challenge of Managing Psoriasis: Unmet Medical Needs and Stakeholder Perspectives. Am Health Drug Benefits. 2016;9(9):504-513.
