Effect of secukinumab on quality of life and psoriasis-related symptoms: A comparative analysis versus ustekinumab from the CLEAR 52-week study

Background: Secukinumab has demonstrated greater sustained skin clearance than ustekinumab through week 52, greater improvement in symptoms and health-related quality of life, and comparable safety profile. Objective: To assess the impact of secukinumab versus that of ustekinumab on complete relief from psoriasis-related symptoms, time to response in terms of health-related quality of life, and cumulative benefit among patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Methods: Psoriasis-related pain, itching, and scaling and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score were compared between treatments on the basis of time to complete relief of symptoms and time to DLQI response in the CLEAR trial. Cumulative benefit over 52 weeks based on Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score, symptom relief, and DLQI response were evaluated by area under the curve analysis. Results: Significantly more patients treated with secukinumab achieved complete relief of pain at weeks 16 and 52 (all P <.05). Complete relief of itching and scaling occurred significantly faster with secukinumab (median, 4 weeks faster for itching and 8 weeks faster for scaling [P <.001]). Response as measured by the DLQI was 4 weeks faster with secukinumab (P <.0001). Cumulative benefits were greater with secukinumab (all P <.05). Limitations: Analyses were post hoc. Conclusion: This patient-reported outcome analysis confirms greater and sustained benefits of secukinumab versus those of ustekinumab treatment on patients' lives.