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The Greek experience with efalizumab in psoriasis from a University Dermatologic Hospital.
Antoniou, C.; Stefanaki, I.; Stratigos, A.; Avgerinou, G.; Stavropoulos, P.; Potouridou, I.; Polidorou, D.; Moustou, A. E.; Kosmadaki, M.; Katsambas, A. D.
[Article] British Journal of Dermatology. 156 Supplement 2:12-16, April 2007.

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Background: Efalizumab (anti-CD11a antibody) targets T cell-mediated steps important in the immunopathogenesis of psoriasis. As efalizumab is intended to be administered on a continuous long-term basis in psoriasis, it is important to share experience concerning issues commonly occurring during its use in real daily practice.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of efalizumab treatment in Greek patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, and to investigate whether there are specific characteristics that predict the clinical outcome of therapy.

Patients: Seventy-two patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, who had failed to respond to, or had a contraindication to, or were intolerant to other systemic therapies, received efalizumab (1 mg kg-1 per week) for 12 weeks or more.

Results: After 12 weeks of efalizumab treatment, 65% of patients achieved 50% or more improvement from baseline Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and 39% achieved at least 75% reduction in PASI score. The mean percentage PASI improvement from baseline was 62%. The most common side effects were a flu-like syndrome, a transient localized papular eruption, leucocytosis and lymphocytosis. There was no correlation between the occurrence of these side effects and the clinical response. Patients with a past history of unstable types of psoriasis were likely poor responders to efalizumab, and at an increased risk of developing generalized inflammatory flare.

Conclusion: These results confirm previous reports suggesting that treatment with efalizumab is an efficacious and safe option for patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. A detailed previous history of psoriasis is important in order to select possible candidates for efalizumab therapy.