Psoriatic Arthritis and Biologic Therapies

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects joints and skin, often causing pain, swelling, and skin lesions. Biologic therapies like guselkumab and ustekinumab have shown promise in managing PsA, but direct comparisons of their efficacy remain scarce.

Recent Study Findings

A recent study published in Rheumatology and Therapy provides compelling evidence regarding the efficacy of guselkumab compared to ustekinumab in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Using individual patient-level data (IPD) analysis, researchers aimed to elucidate the comparative effectiveness of these two biologic treatments, shedding light on their joint and skin efficacy over a 52-week period.

Study Methodology

Researchers Thilakarathne P and colleagues conducted an IPD analysis, pooling data from the DISCOVER-1, DISCOVER-2, PSUMMIT-1, and PSUMMIT-2 trials, encompassing a total of 44,115 participants. The analysis focused on evaluating joint and skin efficacy outcomes, including American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement (ACR20) and Psoriasis Area Severity Index 90% reduction (PASI 90) response rates.

Key Findings

• Four MetS score trajectory patterns were identified: low-stable, moderate-low, moderate-high, and elevated-increasing.
• Compared to participants with a low-stable trajectory pattern, those with an elevated-increasing pattern had a higher risk of overall and site-specific cancers.
• Trajectories of MetS scores were associated with the occurrence of cancers, emphasizing the importance of long-term monitoring and evaluation of MetS.

The study highlights the significance of considering MetS score trajectory patterns in assessing cancer risk, particularly in individuals with elevated or increasing trajectories. Long-term monitoring of MetS may aid in early detection and intervention strategies for cancer prevention.

Reference

Thilakarathne P, Schubert A, Peterson S, Noel W, Patel BP, Hassan F. Comparing Efficacy of Guselkumab versus Ustekinumab in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis: An Adjusted Comparison Using Individual Patient Data from the DISCOVER and PSUMMIT Trials. Rheumatol Ther. 2024;11(2):457-474. doi:10.1007/s40744-024-00644-7