Etanercept, a biological antipsoriatic drug with anti-tumor-necrosis factor (TNF) activity has been approved for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. However, in a substantial portion of cases etanercept does not induce reduction in psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) of 75% or greater, now being considered as gold standard for treatment efficacy. In this study the researchers aim to determine in a randomized half-side comparison, whether additional narrowband UVB-311nm phototherapy accelerates and improves the therapeutic efficacy of etanercept.

Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who have received a standard dose of etanercept (50 mg or 25 mg s.c. twice weekly) for at least 6 weeks without a PASI reduction of 75% or greater qualify for the study. Etanercept is continued and UVB-311nm phototherapy is added at 6 weeks or thereafter on a randomized body half (left or right; head exempt) 3 x per week until complete response (defined as reduction in PASI to < 3) for a maximum of another 6 weeks (until week 12). PASI score and patient disease score is assessed weekly; patient life quality score at week 0, 6, and 12; all scores at follow-up visits at month 3, 6, and 12. Paired statistical testing (T-test or Wilcoxon) for differences in PASI and patient disease and life quality scores is done; Fischer exact test is applied to determine differences in complete remission, PASI reduction > 90%, > 75%, and/or 50% between body sites.

• Radiation: UVB-311nm radiation
• Other: No treatment

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who have received a standard dose of etanercept (50 mg or 25 mg s.c. twice weekly) for at least 6 weeks without a PASI reduction of 75% or greater

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy or lactation
• Presence of or history of malignant skin tumors
• Dysplastic melanocytic nevus syndrome
• Antinuclear antibodies (ds-DNA, Ro/SSA, La/SSB)
• Autoimmune disorders such as Lupus erythematosus or Dermatomyositis
• Photosensitive diseases such as porphyria, chronic actinic dermatitis, Xeroderma pigmentosum, basal cell nevus syndrome, and others
• General poor health status