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Potential Use of TNF Inhibitors in the Treatment of Psoriasis

A supplement to Skin & Allergy News supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Amgen and Wyeth.
Highlights of presentations made at the 2ndJoint Meeting of the International Psoriasis Symposium and the European Congress on Psoriasis

•Contents
•Target Audience
•Educational Needs
•Learning Objectives
•Accreditation

Medical Education Library
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Contents

The Potential of TNF Inhibitors Relative to Other Therapies

Mark G. Lebwohl, MD
Chairman, Department of Dermatology
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
New York, N.Y.
Financial support: Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals and Immunex Corporation; Consultant: Immunex. Discusses unlabeled use of etanercept for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

The Role of TNF in Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Mark D. Cohen, MD
Professor of Medicine
Chairman, Division of Rheumatology
Department of Internal Medicine
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
Jacksonville, Fla.
Financial support: Wyeth-Ayerst Pharmaceuticals, Immunex, and Centocor. Discusses unlabeled use of etanercept and infliximab in psoriatic arthritis.

Emerging Data on the Use of TNF Inhibitors in Psoriatic Arthritis and Psoriasis

Bernard S. Goffe, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
Department of Medicine
Division of Dermatology
University of Washington School of Medicine
Chairman, Dermatology Department
Minor & James Medical PLLC
Seattle, Wash.
Financial support: Immunex. Discusses unlabeled use of etanercept in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and investigational use of TNF inhibitors.
Target Audience

This activity has been developed for dermatologists and other health care professionals involved in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Educational Needs

The roles of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and other cytokines in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have been under evaluation for several years, following the identification of increased levels of TNF-α and other proinflammatory cytokines in the synovial fluid and skin lesions of patients with psoriatic arthritis. These findings have more recently led to clinical evaluation of the potential benefits to TNF inhibitors in treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Emerging data from phase II clinical trials and the clinical experience of lead investigators suggest the potential of these agents to improve symptoms and disease progression in psoriatic arthritis. As clinicians who specialize in skin disorders, dermatologists should be aware of the latest developments in this area. Ongoing research on the use of TNF inhibitors in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is the focus of this activity.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the role of TNF in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

• Discuss emerging data on the use of TNF inhibitors in treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

• Explain the potential impact of these agents on current approaches to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

Accreditation

The American Academy of Dermatology certifies that this educational activity has been recognized for 1 hour of AAD Category 1 credit and may be used toward the American Academy of Dermatology's Continuing Medical Education. This program was developed in accordance with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education guidelines. Term of approval, November 2001-October 2002.