Looking Ahead: A Conversation Surrounding Closing the Gaps in Plaque Psoriasis Management

EP: 1.Understanding Plaque Psoriasis: Navigating Impact on Patients with Moderate and Mild Disease

EP: 2.Navigating Location Specific Treatment Selection and Topical Therapy Limitations

EP: 3.Consider PDE4 Inhibitors for Mild to Moderate Psoriasis

EP: 4.Role of Systemic Therapy in the Management of Plaque Psoriasis

EP: 5.Exploring PDE4 Inhibitors in the Management of Plaque Psoriasis

EP: 6.Fostering Patient Wellness: Prioritizing Safety and Education in PDE4 Utilization

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EP: 7.Looking Ahead: A Conversation Surrounding Closing the Gaps in Plaque Psoriasis Management

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD, and Robert J. Casquejo, PA-C.

In this discussion, dermatologists explore the future prospects of phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors, focusing on apremilast. One dermatologist expresses excitement about the ongoing study, SPROUT, which investigates apremilast in pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years. They discuss the potential approval of this medication for children, highlighting its oral form as a preferable alternative to injections.

The conversation delves into the broader applications of PDE-4 inhibitors, expressing interest in exploring their efficacy in various dermatological conditions beyond psoriasis. They specifically mention observations suggesting a potential role in decreasing neutrophilic recruitment, raising the possibility of addressing diseases like neutrophilic dermatoses.

The dermatologists then shift to discussing persistent treatment gaps in psoriasis management. They highlight the need to address mild psoriasis more aggressively with systemic medications, emphasizing the discrepancy between objective analysis and subjective patient experiences. They advocate for increased awareness and data highlighting the impact of mild psoriasis on patients' lives, challenging the perception of mild disease by both healthcare providers and patients.

Additionally, they identify gaps in pediatric systemic therapies for psoriasis, expressing the desire for more options beyond the existing 4 approved medications. The discussion extends to the importance of long-term studies assessing the impact of systemic therapy on reducing comorbidities associated with psoriasis. They cite studies suggesting a potential decrease in all-cause mortality and hope for more research to establish systemic treatments as beneficial beyond managing skin symptoms.

Overall, the dermatologists express enthusiasm for the future possibilities of PDE-4 inhibitors, emphasizing their potential in pediatric populations and their broader applications in various dermatological conditions. They advocate for a more comprehensive approach to psoriasis management, addressing treatment gaps and exploring systemic therapies' long-term benefits on comorbidities.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by DermatologyTimes editorial staff.