Panel Discussion: The Efficacy of Retinoids in the Treatment of Psoriasis

In a 1982 panel discussion, experts evaluated the use of etretinate, a type of retinoid, for treating psoriasis. They reported that in one study, 60% of patients (9 out of 15) showed significant improvement after 16 weeks of treatment, with better responses in older patients. However, side effects such as hair loss, which was more pronounced in women, and herpes simplex infections were of concern. The panelists discussed the potential benefits of combining retinoids with other treatments like PUVA to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects, referencing positive outcomes from European studies. They also called for more research on the toxicity of such combinations before starting clinical trials in the U.S. Additionally, the discussion highlighted the immunosuppressive effects of retinoids and the need for lower dosages and additional therapies to mitigate side effects. Despite these issues, there was a consensus on the need to continue making retinoids available for clinical use and to further investigate combined treatment approaches for psoriasis management.