Psoriasis

Lifestyle change for treating psoriasis

Addressing priority 1: Cochrane review published in July 2019. 

This review looked at the effects of lifestyle changes for psoriasis, including weight reduction, alcohol abstinence, smoking cessation, dietary modification, exercise, and other lifestyle change interventions.

Demonstrating the benefits of smoking cessation in psoriasis, a molecular approach

Addressing priority 1: Psoriasis Association funded research. 

Several studies have demonstrated that smokers are at increased risk of psoriasis. At the same time, it is not clear whether giving up cigarettes can improve disease symptoms. This study looks at this question by identifying the changes that occur in the skin of smokers affected by psoriasis, and demonstrating that these alterations can be reversed by quitting smoking

Optimising Psoriatic Arthritis Therapy with Immunological Methods to Increase Standard Evaluation (OPTIMISE)

Addressing priority 3: NIHR research in progress

The aim of this research is to test whether we can predict, using blood tests, if people with Psoriatic Arthritis will respond to a type of drugs (called a biologic) leading to a reduction in inflamed joints and pain. 

Predicting therapy response in Psoriasis

Addressing priority 3: Psoriasis Association funded research. 

There are a range of medicines available to treat psoriasis. These therapies work in many but not all patients and some patients have to stop medication due to side effects. Unfortunately, we still do not have tests available to tell us which therapy works best for which patient so being able to predict a person's response to a medicine is of high importance. 

Identifying immune determinants of clinical response to ustekinumab in psoriasis

Addressing priority 3: Psoriasis Association funded research. 

In order to prescribe the best possible drug to each individual with psoriasis, doctors need to be able to categorise people according to specific biological markers (“biomarkers”) that predict the likelihood that the drug will work. This Psoriasis Association-endorsed Psoriasis Stratification to Optimise Relevant Therapy (PSORT) is a multicentre study aimed at identifying biomarkers predictive of response to biologic drugs.

Mast cell-CD8T cell interactions as drivers of psoriasis immune-pathogenesis

Addressing priority 4: Psoriasis Association funded research.

The overall goal of this project is to characterise the biological significance of mast cells-CD8 T cell interactions and how these may contribute to the development of psoriasis and their response to treatment. It will also study how their activities are affected by biologic therapy targeting a key immune system molecule – interleukin (IL) 17. This knowledge will suggest novel strategies for therapeutic intervention, e.g. by manipulating mast cell mediators in psoriatic plaques so as to block the activation of CD8 T cell and thus reduce skin inflammation.

Investigation of the prevalence of liver fibrosis in patients with psoriasis using Transient Elestography and evaluation of the relationship between liver fibrosis and methotrexate

Addressing priority 9: This grant is funded by the Cecil King Memorial Foundation and managed by the Psoriasis Association. 

Patients with psoriasis appear to have higher rates of liver fibrosis in comparison to the general population. The prevalence of liver fibrosis in the psoriasis population in the UK has not been defined. The higher rates of risk factors for liver fibrosis such as obesity, alcohol and diabetes are important; however there have been concerns that methotrexate can contribute to liver fibrosis. Despite the increasing importance of biologic therapies, methotrexate remains the most commonly used systemic agent in the UK. The majority of patients needing systemic therapy will try methotrexate first.  This study aims to investigate the prevalence of liver fibrosis in a group of patients with psoriasis and then go on to determine the number of participants required to conduct a study to determine which factors can predict the risk of liver fibrosis.

The impact of flare-ups on psychological wellbeing, treatment adherence, and life engagement in people living with psoriasis

Addressing priority 10: Psoriasis Association funded research. 

Researchers at the Centre for Appearance Research at the University of the West of England in Bristol explored the impact flare-ups can have on the people with psoriasis. They interviewed 18 Psoriasis Association members about their experiences.

BSTOP: Biomarkers and Stratification To Optimise outcomes in Psoriasis

In September 2021, The Psoriasis Association announced that they were making a £1million investment over 5 years into the BSTOP study, set up 10 years ago.  This major new investment will enable the work to continue with a significantly increased scope, which will be used to identify research questions that matter to patients (such as those identified in the JLA PSP).