Tapinarof Cream 1% Once Daily for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis: Case Photography of Clinical Outcomes from Three Phase 3 Trials.

Tapinarof cream 1% (VTAMA®; Dermavant Sciences, Inc.) is a non-steroidal, topical, aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonist approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat plaque psoriasis in adults and under investigation for the treatment of psoriasis in children down to 2 years of age, and for atopic dermatitis in adults and children down to 2 years of age. The PSOARING phase 3 clinical trial program evaluated tapinarof cream 1% once daily (QD) in adults with mild to severe plaque psoriasis for up to 52 weeks (NCT03956355, NCT03983980, NCT04053387). Here we present case photography documenting outcomes in the PSOARING trials. Cases illustrate various outcomes across different body areas, including responses meeting the formal FDA-mandated regulatory endpoint of a Physician Global Assessment (PGA) score of 0 (clear) or 1 (almost clear) and a decrease of at least 2 points from baseline at week 12, meaningful clinical improvement not meeting this formal endpoint, patient-reported outcomes, and pre-specified adverse events of special interest (AESIs). Tapinarof cream 1% QD demonstrated rapid and highly statistically significant efficacy, with improvements in disease activity and quality of life. In addition, a high rate (40.9%; n = 312/763) of complete disease clearance (PGA = 0) was achieved, and improvements exceeding National Psoriasis Foundation treatment goals were demonstrated. After first achieving complete disease clearance (PGA = 0), patients treated with tapinarof experienced an approximately 4-month remittive effect off therapy. Incidence and severity of folliculitis and contact dermatitis AESIs were generally mild or moderate, localized to the site of application, and associated with low discontinuation rates. Medical images are of importance in trials of dermatologic therapies to inform clinical decision-making and enhance patient assessment. Tapinarof cream 1% QD is efficacious and well tolerated in patients with mild to severe plaque psoriasis, with clinically relevant improvements seen early in the course of treatment.Clinicaltrials.gov numbers: NCT03956355, NCT03983980, NCT04053387.

Early Itch Response with Abrocitinib Is Associated with Later Efficacy Outcomes in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: Subgroup Analysis of the Randomized Phase III JADE COMPARE Trial.

BACKGROUND: Abrocitinib, an oral Janus kinase 1 inhibitor, provided significant itch relief by week 2 in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in the phase III JADE COMPARE trial. OBJECTIVES: This post-hoc analysis of JADE COMPARE aimed to further characterize itch response and determined whether early itch relief could predict subsequent improvements in AD severity. METHODS: JADE COMPARE was a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled trial. Adult patients (aged ≥ 18 years) with moderate-to-severe AD were randomly assigned to receive oral abrocitinib 200 mg or 100 mg once daily, subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg every other week (after a 600-mg loading dose), or placebo, plus medicated topical therapy for 16 weeks. Assessments were ≥ 4-point improvement in Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale (PP-NRS4) from days 2 to 15, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) response, and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores at week 12. Association between week 2 PP-NRS4 and efficacy at week 12 was evaluated by chi-squared tests. The predictive value of early response for later efficacy was assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: As early as day 4 after treatment, a significantly greater proportion of patients achieved PP-NRS4 response with abrocitinib 200 mg (18.6%) versus dupilumab (5.6%; p < 0.001) and placebo (6.0%; p < 0.003). A similar trend was observed with abrocitinib at the 100-mg dose, with significantly greater PP-NRS4 response rates versus placebo as early as day 9. With both doses of abrocitinib, week 12 IGA 0/1, EASI-75, EASI-90, and DLQI 0/1 response rates were greater in week 2 PP-NRS4 responders than nonresponders; no differences were observed between week 2 PP-NRS4 responders and nonresponders in the dupilumab and placebo groups. Early improvement in PP-NRS at week 2 was associated with skin clearance at week 12 in abrocitinib-treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Abrocitinib resulted in rapid relief from itch in patients with moderate-to-severe AD, with significant improvement in itch as early as day 4 after treatment with abrocitinib 200 mg compared with dupilumab and placebo. Abrocitinib-induced itch relief by week 2 was associated with subsequent improvements at week 12. [Video abstract available.] TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03720470. Early itch response with abrocitinib is associated with later efficacy outcomes in patients withmoderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: subgroup analysis of the randomized phase III JADE COMPARE trial (MP4 335,375kb).

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also called atopic eczema, is a skin disease that affects people throughout their lives. About 10% of adults worldwide have AD. Itch is the most bothersome symptom reported by people with AD and scratching this itch can damage the skin, resulting in painful sores. It is unknown if relief from itch can influence other symptoms of AD. We analyzed data from the JADE COMPARE study, which included 837 people who received treatment with abrocitinib, dupilumab or placebo. We studied how fast itch relief occurred after people received these treatments. We also wanted to study if rapid itch relief was associated with improvement in other signs of AD later on with continued treatment. We found that as early as 4 days after treatment, abrocitinib 200 mg provided significant relief from itch compared with dupilumab or placebo. People who had rapid itch relief within 2 weeks of treatment with abrocitinib were more likely to have clear or almost clear skin and improved quality of life after 12 weeks of continued treatment with abrocitinib. Rapid itch relief did not appear to increase the likelihood of clear skin at week 12 in people who received dupilumab. Larger studies are needed to confirm this result. This study provides important evidence for physicians as they analyze itch relief and determine treatment options for people with AD.

Magnitude and Time Course of Response to Abrocitinib for Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

BACKGROUND: Emerging treatments for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) may provide greater and faster improvement in AD signs and symptoms than current therapies. OBJECTIVE: To examine JADE COMPARE (NCT03720470) data using stringent efficacy end points. METHODS: Adults with moderate-to-severe AD were randomly assigned 2:2:2:1 to receive oral abrocitinib 200 or 100 mg once daily, subcutaneous dupilumab 300 mg every 2 weeks (600-mg loading dose), or placebo, with medicated topical therapy for 16 weeks. Stringent response thresholds were applied for Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Investigator's Global Assessment, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale, and Night Time Itch Scale severity. RESULTS: At week 16, 48.9%, 38.0%, and 38.8% of the abrocitinib 200-mg, 100-mg, and dupilumab groups, respectively, achieved greater than or equal to 90% improvement from baseline in EASI versus 11.3% placebo; 14.9%, 12.6%, and 6.5% achieved Investigator's Global Assessment 0 (clear) versus 4.8% placebo; 29.7%, 21.6%, and 24.0% achieved Dermatology Life Quality Index 0/1 (no/minimal impact on quality of life) versus 10.6% placebo; and 57.1%, 44.5%, and 46.1% achieved Night Time Itch Scale severity 0/1 (no/minimal night-time itch) versus 31.9% placebo. Kaplan-Meier median time to greater than or equal to 90% improvement from baseline in EASI was 59, 113, and 114 days in the abrocitinib 200-mg, 100-mg, and dupilumab groups, respectively, and was not evaluable for placebo; median time to Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale 0/1 (no/very minimal itch) was 86 and 116 days for abrocitinib 200-mg and dupilumab groups, respectively, and was not evaluable for abrocitinib 100-mg and placebo groups. CONCLUSIONS: A greater proportion of patients treated with abrocitinib than placebo had almost complete control of AD signs and symptoms.

Abrocitinib monotherapy in Investigator's Global Assessment nonresponders: improvement in signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis and quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Abrocitinib, a once-daily, oral Janus kinase 1 selective inhibitor, was shown to be an effective treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in phase 2 b/3 monotherapy trials. METHODS: These analyses included data for Investigator's Global Assessment responder (clear [0] or almost clear [1] with ≥2-grade improvement) and nonresponder patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis who received abrocitinib (200 mg or 100 mg) or placebo in three abrocitinib monotherapy trials (phase 2 b, NCT02780167; two phase 3, NCT03349060/JADE MONO-1 and NCT03575871/JADE MONO-2). Outcomes measuring skin clearance, itch, and quality of life were evaluated. RESULTS: Both nonresponders (n = 548) and responders (n = 260) treated with abrocitinib had rapid and clinically meaningful improvement in skin clearance, itch, and quality of life compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: Patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis treated with abrocitinib who did not achieve an Investigator's Global Assessment 0/1 response at week 12 still experienced rapid, clinically meaningful improvements across several other validated measures of efficacy and quality of life. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT02780167, NCT03349060, NCT03575871.

Phase 3 efficacy and safety of abrocitinib in adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis after switching from dupilumab (JADE EXTEND).

BACKGROUND: Abrocitinib efficacy by prior dupilumab response status in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis has not previously been assessed in phase 3 studies. OBJECTIVE: Examine efficacy and safety of abrocitinib among patients who received prior dupilumab. METHODS: Patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis received abrocitinib 200 mg or 100 mg once daily in JADE EXTEND (phase 3 extension) after dupilumab in double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 JADE COMPARE. RESULTS: Among prior dupilumab responders, ≥75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index was achieved in 93.5% and 90.2% of patients who received 12 weeks of abrocitinib 200 mg and 100 mg, respectively; ≥4-point improvement in Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale was achieved in 89.7% and 81.6%, respectively. Among prior dupilumab nonresponders, ≥75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index was achieved with abrocitinib 200 mg and 100 mg in 80.0% and 67.7% and ≥4-point improvement in Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale in 77.3% and 37.8%, respectively. Most common adverse events among abrocitinib-treated patients were nasopharyngitis, nausea, acne, and headache. Conjunctivitis occurred less frequently with abrocitinib in comparison to prior dupilumab. LIMITATIONS: Short-term, 12-week analysis; no placebo arm. CONCLUSION: Efficacy and safety profile of abrocitinib in JADE EXTEND supports the role of abrocitinib as a treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, regardless of prior dupilumab response status.

Abrocitinib induction, randomized withdrawal, and retreatment in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Results from the JAK1 Atopic Dermatitis Efficacy and Safety (JADE) REGIMEN phase 3 trial.

BACKGROUND: The heterogeneous course of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis necessitates treatment flexibility. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the maintenance of abrocitinib-induced response with continuous abrocitinib treatment, dose reduction or withdrawal, and response to treatment reintroduction following flare (JAK1 Atopic Dermatitis Efficacy and Safety [JADE] REGIMEN: National Clinical Trial 03627767). METHODS: Patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis responding to open-label abrocitinib 200 mg monotherapy for 12 weeks were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to blinded abrocitinib (200 or 100 mg) or placebo for 40 weeks. Patients experiencing flare received rescue treatment (abrocitinib 200 mg plus topical therapy). RESULTS: Of 1233 patients, 798 responders to induction (64.7%) were randomly assigned. The flare probability during maintenance was 18.9%, 42.6%, and 80.9% with abrocitinib 200 mg, abrocitinib 100 mg, and placebo, respectively. Among patients with flare in the abrocitinib 200 mg, abrocitinib 100 mg, and placebo groups, 36.6%, 58.8%, and 81.6% regained investigator global assessment 0/1 response, respectively, and 55.0%, 74.5%, and 91.8% regained eczema area and severity index response, respectively, with rescue treatment. During maintenance, 63.2% and 54.0% of patients receiving abrocitinib 200 and 100 mg, respectively, experienced adverse events. LIMITATIONS: The definition of protocol-defined flare was not established, limiting the generalizability of findings. CONCLUSION: Induction treatment with abrocitinib was effective; most responders continuing abrocitinib did not flare. Rescue treatment with abrocitinib plus topical therapy effectively recaptured response.

Rapid Improvement of Itch Associated With Atopic Dermatitis With Abrocitinib Is Partially Independent of Overall Disease Improvement: Results From Pooled Phase 2b and 3 Monotherapy Studies.

BACKGROUND: Itch, the most bothersome symptom in atopic dermatitis, is largely mediated by pruritogenic cytokines via Janus kinase 1 signaling in cutaneous sensory neurons. OBJECTIVES: The aims of the study were to assess the magnitude and rapidity of itch relief with the Janus kinase 1 selective inhibitor abrocitinib and to evaluate the extent to which the effect of abrocitinib on itch relief is independent of overall disease improvement. METHODS: Pooled data from 1 phase 2b (NCT02780167) and 2 phase 3 (NCT03349060, NCT03575871) double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled monotherapy trials in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (N = 942) were analyzed. RESULTS: Abrocitinib produced significant and clinically meaningful itch relief versus placebo from week 2 through week 12 (end of treatment) that was associated with marked sleep and quality-of-life improvements. Mean percentage reductions in itch scores 24 hours after the first dose were greater for both abrocitinib doses (200 and 100 mg) versus placebo. Itch improvement occurred regardless of baseline itch severity, sex, race, body mass index, or Investigator Global Assessment response, suggesting that abrocitinib-associated itch relief is at least partially independent of overall disease improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Abrocitinib showed a rapid and profound antipruritic effect, partially independent of improvement in overall disease.

A review of non-pharmacologic approaches to enhance the patient experience in dermatologic surgery.

Efforts to increase patient comfort by minimizing pain and anxiety have been shown to improve clinical outcomes, reduce pain thresholds, decrease analgesic requirements and complication risk, strengthen the physician-patient relationship, and increase overall patient satisfaction. Patients also have a strong preference for patient-centered communication and educational discussion with physicians. In recent years, the increasing emphasis on patient experience scores as a metric for quality care has had significant implications for physician practice and has reinforced attempts to provide more patient-centered care. Though different pharmacologic agents and techniques have been extensively reviewed in the dermatologic literature, there have been few studies of non-pharmacologic strategies for improving patient-centered care. This evidence-based review describes alternative techniques that have been suggested for use in dermatologic surgery. Mechanoanesthesia, cold therapy, verbal and audiovisual distraction, music, optimal needle insertion methods, hypnosis and guided-imagery, perioperative communication, and educational strategies have been reported to improve the patient experience in dermatologic surgery. These interventions are often cost-effective and easy to implement, avoid medication side effects, and serve as adjunct approaches to enhance patient comfort. This review examines the corresponding evidence for these nonpharmacologic strategies to provide a clinical resource for the dermatologic surgeon seeking to optimize the patient experience.

Basal cell carcinoma: Epidemiology; pathophysiology; clinical and histological subtypes; and disease associations.

As the most common human cancer worldwide and continuing to increase in incidence, basal cell carcinoma is associated with significant morbidity and cost. Continued advances in research have refined both our insight and approach to this seemingly ubiquitous disease. This 2-part continuing medical education article will provide a comprehensive and contemporary review of basal cell carcinoma. The first article in this series describes our current understanding of this disease regarding epidemiology, cost, clinical and histopathologic presentations, carcinogenesis, natural history, and disease associations.

Basal cell carcinoma: Contemporary approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

As the most common human cancer worldwide and continuing to increase in incidence, basal cell carcinoma is associated with significant morbidity and cost. Continued advances in research have refined both our insight and approach to this seemingly ubiquitous disease. This 2-part continuing medical education series provides a comprehensive and contemporary review of basal cell carcinoma. The second article in this series will present both the current standard of care and newly developed approaches to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease.

Topical 5-fluorouracil in dermatologic disease.

BACKGROUND: 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has proven to be an effective therapy in the treatment of a variety of dermatologic conditions. Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of actinic keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinoma, topical 5-FU has also demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of a variety of other dermatologic diseases. METHODS: A search of the MEDLINE standard computer database, MEDLINE advanced database, and EMBASE database was conducted. RESULTS: Thirty-four articles met criteria for inclusion in this review. These articles represented 16 randomized controlled trials and 18 case series. Each article was reviewed and summarized. CONCLUSIONS: Topical 5-FU is used in a variety of dermatologic disease processes with a wide range of efficacy and levels of evidence. Based on extent and level of evidence, our disease-specific systematic review found that the evidence is strongest for topical 5-FU use in the treatment of actinic keratosis, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. This review serves as a comprehensive summary of topical 5-FU use in dermatology.

Intralesional and Laser-Assisted 5-Fluorouracil in Dermatologic Disease: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: 5-fluorouracil has proven to be an effective therapy in the treatment of a variety of dermatologic conditions. Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the topical treatment of actinic keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinoma, 5-fluorouracil has also demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of a variety of other dermatologic diseases. While best known for its use as a topical medication, 5-fluorouracil can also be delivered intralesionally for the treatment of dermatologic disease. Recently, laser-assisted modalities for increased delivery of 5-fluorouracil have also been described METHODS: A search of the MEDLINE standard computer database, MEDLINE advanced database, and EMBASE database was conducted. RESULTS: 38 articles met criteria for inclusion in this review. These articles represented 14 randomized controlled trials and 24 case series. Each article was reviewed and summarized. The main limitation of this review is the limited number of large randomized controlled trials, as well as the non-uniformity in treatment regimens between studies. DISCUSSION: Intralesional and laser-assisted 5-fluorouracil are used in a variety of dermatologic disease processes with a wide range of efficacy and levels of evidence. Based on extent and level of evidence, our disease-specific systematic review found that the evidence is strongest for intralesional 5-FU use in the treatment of keloids, hypertrophic scars, and keratoacanthomas. This review serves as a comprehensive summary of intralesional and laser-assisted 5-fluorouracil use in dermatology.

J Drugs Dermatol. 2018;17(3):274-280.

Chronic Tender Ulcers on the Calf and Both Forearms.

An elderly woman presented with a 3-month history of nonhealing, tender ulcers involving the right calf and both forearms. She denied any history of similar lesions or trauma. Two trials of oral antibiotics had led to no improvement. Her medical history was significant for rheumatoid arthritis treated with methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and prednisone. A review of clinical manifestations was otherwise negative for disease. Physical examination of the patient's right calf revealed two punched-out ulcers with central necrotic black eschars, underlying retiform purpuric pattern, and mild fibrinopurulent drainage (Figure 1). Similar lesions were present on her forearms (Figures 2 and 3). No other remarkable skin changes were noted. The differential diagnosis included polyarteritis nodosa, cutaneous necrosis secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome, cryoglobulinemic vasculitis, and an atypical presentation of pyoderma gangernosum.

Inflamed Actinic Keratoses After Pemetrexed.

A 66-year-old man presented with a 1-day history of a mildly pruritic eruption on the face, chest, arms, and upper part of the back. The dermatitis began 3 weeks after receiving an initial infusion of pemetrexed (500 mg/m2) as induction chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. Physical examination revealed numerous erythematous, scaly papules over the face, extensor surface of the arms, hands, and upper aspects of the chest and back, sparing sun-protected areas (Figure). He acknowledged that in the past he frequently went shirtless outdoors and rarely wore sunscreen or sun protective clothing during the many years he worked at construction sites. Results from a biopsy specimen from a typical lesion on the forearm revealed an inflamed actinic keratosis. Systemic chemotherapy was continued, and only emollients and mid-potency topical steroids were used to treat the skin eruption. At 2-week follow-up, the patient's eruption was greatly diminished with loss of significant erythema and scale, as well as absence of pruritus.

A systematic review of patient-reported outcome instruments of dermatologic adverse events associated with targeted cancer therapies.

PURPOSE: Dermatologic adverse events (dAEs) in cancer treatment are frequent with the use of targeted therapies. These dAEs have been shown to have significant impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). While standardized assessment tools have been developed for physicians to assess severity of dAEs, there is a discord between objective and subjective measures. The identification of patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments useful in the context of targeted cancer therapies is therefore important in both the clinical and research settings for the overall evaluation of dAEs and their impact on HRQoL. METHODS: A comprehensive, systematic literature search of published articles was conducted by two independent reviewers in order to identify PRO instruments previously utilized in patient populations with dAEs from targeted cancer therapies. The identified PRO instruments were studied to determine which HRQoL issues relevant to dAEs were addressed, as well as the process of development and validation of these instruments. RESULTS: Thirteen articles identifying six PRO instruments met the inclusion criteria. Four instruments were general dermatology (Skindex-16©, Skindex-29©, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and DIELH-24) and two were symptom-specific (functional assessment of cancer therapy-epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-18 (FACT-EGFRI-18) and hand-foot syndrome 14 (HFS-14)). CONCLUSIONS: While there are several PRO instruments that have been tested in the context of targeted cancer therapy, additional work is needed to develop new instruments and to further validate the instruments identified in this study in patients receiving targeted therapies.