Long-Term Infliximab Treatment in Psoriasis Patients: A National Multicentre Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background. Although infliximab (IFX) has been available since 2005, there are very little data on the long-term drug survival of infliximab in real-life. Objective. Our aim was to identify and describe psoriasis patients treated with IFX for longer than 6 years. Methods. Psoriasis patients treated with IFX for longer than 6 years were retrospectively included. Demographic and clinical data were collected in May 2018. Results. Between January 2005 and December 2012, 43 patients were maintained on IFX for 6 years or longer. IFX was introduced as a 4.5 line of systemic therapy. The mean duration of IFX treatment was 8.5 years (6-12). In May 2018, 30 patients (70%) were still maintained on IFX at 4-6 mg/kg every 8-10 weeks with an efficiency of about 100%. IFX was stopped in 13 patients (30%) mainly for loss of efficacy in 6 patients (46%). Three patients developed solid cancer including bladder cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. Limitation. Retrospective study. Conclusion. We report the efficacy and safety of IFX maintained for up to 12 years in psoriasis patients. The long-term use of IFX was associated with a high BMI confirming the critical role of weight-based dosing for this drug.