Challenging Regional Psoriasis and Ustekinumab Biotherapy: Impact of the Patterns of Disease

The 2012 document reviews the use of ustekinumab, a monoclonal antibody, for treating challenging forms of regional psoriasis, including palmoplantar, nail, and scalp psoriasis. It indicates that while there are some reports of ustekinumab's potential efficacy, the number of patients treated is too limited to draw definitive conclusions, and further research is needed to assess its cost-effectiveness and risk-benefit ratio. The document also discusses the unknown causes of regional psoriasis, the importance of individualized treatment plans, and the potential effectiveness of ustekinumab in both biologic-naive patients and those who have not responded to other biotherapies. It highlights the need to consider the psychological impact of psoriasis and the challenges of comparing drugs due to the personalized nature of treatment.