A Predictive Test for Psoriasis Treatment Response to Biologics May Lessen Trial and Error Treatments
Dermatologists believe that a predictive test could help define psoriasis treatment response to biologics, thereby reducing trial-and-error treatment and improving patient outcomes.
Unnecessary trial and error behavior on the psoriasis biologic treatment paradigm leads to frequent biologic switching and suboptimal patient outcomes. “According to Joint [American Academy of Dermatology/National Psoriasis Foundation] guidelines, an important need exists to identify biomarkers that can predict the appropriate biologic agent for patients,” explained the study authors.
Researchers surveyed community dermatologists to find their perspectives on two questions:
- What factors significantly influence the utilization of biologic therapy?
- What do they think of the clinical utility of a test that stratifies response to biologic therapy?
In total, 43 community dermatologists completed the 40-question survey. The dermatologists that completed the survey participated in a webinar to describe their responses.
Survey results showed that trial-and-error treatments are due to insurance formularies influencing the physician, which leads to frequent biologic switching. A majority of surveyed physicians wait at least 12 weeks before determining a nonresponse, so the trial-and-error approach leads to wasted spending and suboptimal patient outcomes. Survey participants expressed that 93% would use a dermal patch to predict therapeutic response to a biologic class, if available. They believe it would improve patient outcomes and help the prior authorization process.
“Surveyed dermatologists believe a test that predicts psoriasis treatment response to a class of biologic drugs would lessen trial and error, provide a tool for physicians to make more informed decisions about drug selection, improve patient outcomes, and significantly reduce wasted spending,” concluded the study authors.
Reference
Strober B, Pariser D, Deren-Lewis A, Dickerson TJ, Lebwohl M, Menter A. A survey of community dermatologists reveals the unnecessary impact of trial-and-error behavior on the psoriasis biologic treatment paradigm. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2021;10.1007/s13555-021-00573-1. doi:10.1007/s13555-021-00573-1
