Treatment of psoriasis with etanercept: the typical patient profile

The chronic nature of psoriasis means that patients often require lifetime treatment. Over this time, treatment frequentlyhas to be adapted to meet variable demands resulting from changes in life course and life events. Biological drugs usedto treat psoriasis vary in their dosing regimens, convenience and flexibility. Dermatologists need to understand whichbiologic agent is best suited for each individual patient. A wealth of evidence supports the safe and effective use of etanercept,which offers a rapid and sustained response, flexibility of dosing, maintenance of response after dose reductionor interruption, and efficacy against non-skin manifestations such as psoriatic arthritis. An expert panel met to agree thetypical patient profile of a psoriasis patient treated with etanercept, the main benefits of etanercept in psoriasis, and thepatient group most likely to benefit from its use. They agreed that flexibility of dosing, the potential to individualize therapyby stopping and starting treatment while maintaining efficacy, and the possibility of cost saving through the use offlexible treatment regimens were important benefits supporting the use of etanercept in many patients with psoriasis.