Infliximab for Psoriasis
Title: Infliximab Role in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Authors: Mossner R and Reich K
Publication: Hautarzt. 2005 Sep;56(9):831-8.
In psoriasis, Th1 cells-mediated immune responses are considered
crucial. Th1 cell is a subset of T-helper lymphocyte (white blood
cell) that is involved in cell-mediated immune response. The Th1
cells secretes cytokines, or proteins that mediate immune system
response, including one called TNF-alpha or tumor necrosis factor
alpha.
The authors reviewed clinical studies on infliximab, an antibody
that bound and disabled Th1-cytokine TNF-alpha. In combination
with methotrexate, infliximab had been approved for therapy of
psoriatic arthritis.
In clinical studies, infliximab had also proven safe and effective
in treating plaque-type psoriasis. In 80% of treated patients,
PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) decreased by 75% or greater
after 10 weeks of treatment.
The authors reported that infliximab was expected to be approved
as second-line therapy in Germany for treatment of psoriasis vulgaris.
Editor’s Note: Methotrexate is a toxic metabolite
that acts to counteract folic acid, interfere with cellular reproduction,
and is used in treatment of psoriasis, certain cancers, and arthritis.
