Authors' objectives: To examine the comparative effectiveness of biologic systemic agents versus nonbiologic systemic agents or phototherapy, on an individual drug level, for treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis (CPP) and to determine patient and disease characteristics that modify outcomes of interest.

Authors' recommendations: In patients with CPP, there were limited data directly comparing systemic biologic agents with either systemic nonbiolgic agents or with phototherapy on an individual drug level. Overall there is insufficient evidence to determine the comparative effectiveness of individual therapies, as compared with each other between the specified classes, with few exceptions. For the comparisons of adalimumab versus methotrexate, infliximab versus methotrexate, ustekinumab versus methotrexate, and etanercept versus acitretin, there is predominantly low strength of evidence favoring the individual biologic agent versus the nonbiologic agent. Additional trials directly comparing biologic systemic agents, systemic nonbiologic agents, and phototherapy are needed.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2012

URL for published report: http://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/ehc/products/312/1325/CER85_ChronicPlaquePsoriasis_FinalReport_20121119.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: United States

Organisation Name: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Contact Address: Center for Outcomes and Evidence Technology Assessment Program, 540 Gaither Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA. Tel: +1 301 427 1610; Fax: +1 301 427 1639;

Contact Name: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Contact Email: martin.erlichman@ahrq.hhs.gov

Copyright: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)