Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors were approved for the treatment of Crohn disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before their approval for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. . . .
Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors were approved for the treatment of Crohn disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) before their approval for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Patients with psoriasis have been treated with various types of ultraviolet light as well as with various immunosuppressive drugs. The increased risk for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) associated with cyclosporine and PUVA treatment was not evident in the immediate postapproval period but has now been clearly documented (see J Invest Dermatol 2003; 120:211). Whether a similar risk will limit the long-term safety of TNF antagonists remains to be established. Earlier research showed no evidence of an increased risk for SCC in RA patients treated with etanercept for up…