Brodalumab Improves Health-Related Quality of Life in Psoriasis Patients, Itching Remains a Challenge

A recent study published under a Creative Commons license highlights the effectiveness of brodalumab in improving the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for Japanese patients with psoriasis. The research, part of the ProLOGUE study, involved 73 patients who were treated with 210 mg of subcutaneous brodalumab in daily clinical practice until week 48. The study aimed to assess the impact of brodalumab on HRQoL and identify factors associated with incomplete HRQoL improvement.

Results showed significant improvements in Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and European Quality of Life 5-Dimension 5-Level Utility Index (EQ-5D-5L UI) scores from baseline to weeks 12 and 48. However, at week 48, all 13 patients who had a DLQI score of ≥2 and an absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of 0 to ≤2 reported itching, suggesting that itching may contribute to incomplete HRQoL improvement in patients who have achieved clear or almost-clear skin.

The study acknowledges limitations, including the unclear generalizability of the results to other biologics. Nonetheless, it concludes that treatment with brodalumab effectively improves HRQoL in patients with psoriasis, though itching remains a significant challenge for complete HRQoL improvement.