Methotrexate for psoriasis in the era of biological therapy
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Abstract
Methotrexate's traditional role as a first line agent for moderate to severe psoriasis is being challenged by the rapid and growing use of biological therapies. A recent study comparing adalimumab with methotrexate showed significantly superior efficacy of adalimumab over methotrexate over 16 weeks. Although it is inexpensive, the future use of methotrexate may be compromised by its unpredictable response and toxicity, and by the introduction of newer, more effective biological therapies. However, recent advances in the screening of liver fibrosis by monitoring serum levels of the aminoterminal peptide fragment of type III procollagen have reduced the need for liver biopsy. Furthermore, the potential for personalized methotrexate use by application of modern pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics may ensure its place as a first-line agent for the treatment of psoriasis for the foreseeable future. © 2008 The Author(s).
Bibliographical metadata
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 551-554 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Clinical and Experimental Dermatology |
Volume | 33 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sep 2008 |