Things That Still Work: Phototherapy plus Methotrexate or Each Alone for Psoriasis

Widespread psoriasis vulgaris responded more quickly, perhaps better, to combined NBUVB phototherapy/MTX than to either regimen alone, but all three strategies were effective.

Both methotrexate (MTX) and phototherapy effectively treat psoriasis; narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy has been used both alone and together with other strategies. Now, researchers in Iraq have compared combined NBUVB phototherapy plus MTX with each therapy alone for treatment of widespread plaque-type psoriasis.

A total of 120 healthy patients with body-surface involvement >10% and skin type III or IV were enrolled; 113 completed the study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive NBUVB phototherapy (initial and incrementally higher doses based on skin type; treatment given 3 times weekly) plus MTX (0.2 mg/kg weekly; maximum dose, 20 mg/week), MTX alone, or NBUVB phototherapy alone.

A 90% reduction from the baseline Psori…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)