Methotrexate (MTX) is widely prescribed to treat inflammatory conditions including psoriasis, where it is the recommended first-line systemic therapy in moderate-to-severe disease. Approximately 40% of patients with psoriasis have a sub-optimal response to MTX and a significant number experience side effects that may include deranged liver enzymes. There is currently no validated test to predict how patients with psoriasis will respond to MTX, in terms of disease outcome and/or toxicity, or to guide dose escalation in this group.
Data for this study is drawn from the BSTOP (Biomarkers of Systemic Treatment Outcomes in Psoriasis) cohort. This is a multi-centre, prospective, cohort study to establish clinically relevant biomarkers and pharmacogenetic markers of systemic treatment outcomes in patients with severe psoriasis.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
350
King's College London and Guys' and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
London, London, United Kingdom
Serial erythrocyte methotrexate polyglutamate measurements using high performance liquid chromotography
To determine if there is a correlation between methotrexate polyglutamate concentrations and clinical response measured by Psoriasis Area Severity Index( PASI) in patients on methotrexate monotherapy with psoriasis. This will consider potential confounding factors, including age, gender and dose of MTX
Time frame: From 3 months to 5 years after commencing methotrexate
Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Full blood count (FBC) will be used to measure toxicity to methotrexate
To determine if there is an association between MTXPG levels and evidence of hepatotoxicity in patients with psoriasis taking either (1) methotrexate alone or (2) methotrexate in combination with another systemic drug. Evidence of hepatotoxicity will be determined by the use of current gold standard tests.
Time frame: 3 months to 5 years after first MTX dose
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