Personalized Medicine in Psoriasis: Tailoring Treatment to Individuals

Tarun Kumar, CEO, Lord’s Mark Biotech

 Tarun Kumar, CEO, Lord’s Mark Biotech

Psoriasis commonly affects individuals in their 30’s or 40’s, with males being affected two times more commonly than females. Psoriasis prevalence is 1.6% among people aged 20 to 29 years and 4.3% among those aged 50 to 59 years. According to the World Psoriasis Day Consortium, 125 million people worldwide 2 to 3 percent of the total population have psoriasis. Psoriasis prevalence among US adults 20 years of age or older was 3.0%. Based on the 2020 US census data, this outcome translates to an estimated 7.55 million US adults with psoriasis, followed by a prevalence of 0.44 – 2.8% in India (approximately 4 crore people), which suggests India is second highest after the US. Although the complaint is known to have advanced prevalence in the polar regions of the world, its burden in a tropical country like India cannot be undervalued. In a different country, such as India, the frequency of psoriasis may vary from region to region due to variable environmental and inheritable factors. It's distinguished by a changeable course of symptoms, a wide range of foreign triggers, and severe comorbidities, including arthritis, metabolic patterns, cardiovascular complaints, inflammatory bowel complaints, and depression. Psoriasis is a current, chronic condition with no cure. It can be uncomfortable, disrupt sleep, and make it delicate to concentrate. The problem tends to flare up for many weeks or months, yet subside for a while. Infections, scrapes or burns, and certain drugs are common triggers for people who have a hereditary susceptibility to psoriasis. It can be classified on the basis of morphology and the extent of its involvement in localized and widespread disease. For the purpose of clinical trials, psoriasis may be classified as mild psoriasis, moderate psoriasis, or severe psoriasis. Traditional treatment approaches offer some relief, but the future of psoriasis management lies in the realm of personalized medicine.

Morphology

Psoriasis has several morphologies, including plaque, guttate, rupioid, erythrodermic, pustular, inverted, elephantine, and psoriatic arthritis. The involvement of the scalp, palmoplantar area, genitals, and nails causes variation in the site. Infantile psoriasis is far less frequent than atopic dermatitis, with just 2% of cases presenting within the first two years of life. This condition has a genetic component, and numerous family members may be afflicted. Psoriasis lesions have a typical shape and distribution pattern. The most common morphology is red, strongly delineated papules and plaques. It differs significantly from the normal diffuse eczematous lesions of atopic dermatitis. Psoriasis plaques commonly appear on the scalp, lower back, and extremities. By tailoring treatments to the unique genetic, immunological, and

lifestyle factors of each patient, we can revolutionize the way we combat this condition. Some of the following conditions may also be associated with psoriasis Obesity, Heart disease, psychological issues, Inflammatory bowel disease and Liver disease

Genetic profiling

The first key to personalizing psoriasis treatment is genetic profiling. Advances in genomics have revealed specific genetic markers that influence the development and progression of psoriasis. By analyzing a patient's DNA, we can gain invaluable insights into their susceptibility to the condition and how they are likely to respond to various treatments. This allows for more precise and effective therapies that target the underlying causes of psoriasis. The diagnosis of psoriasis is generally based on history and recognition of the typical morphology and distribution pattern. Skin vivisection may be performed in an attempt to clarify the opinion in an atypical case. Moreover, the immune system plays a central role in psoriasis. In a personalized medicine approach, each patient's immune profile is examined to understand the immune cells and signaling pathways involved in their specific case. This knowledge enables the development of therapies that modulate the immune response in a way that is customized to the patient's unique needs, reducing side effects and enhancing the treatment's efficacy.

Lifestyle changes are key to minimizing outbreaks

Lifestyle factors are also pivotal in the management of psoriasis. Stress, diet, and environmental triggers can exacerbate or alleviate symptoms. By considering these elements in a personalized treatment plan, we can empower patients to make informed choices about their daily routines. For instance, stress-reduction techniques, dietary changes, and the avoidance of specific triggers can be incorporated to minimize flare-ups and optimize treatment outcomes.

Specially designed drugs for treatment

The emergence of biologics, a class of drugs designed to target specific molecules involved in the immune response, for example, Tinefcon, a commonly used medicine for psoriasis treatment, has been a game-changer in people's lives. Personalized medicine allows us to identify the most suitable biologic for each patient based on their genetic and immune profiles. This not only increases the chances of a positive response but also reduces the risk of adverse effects.

In conclusion

The future of psoriasis treatment lies in personalization. By understanding the unique genetic, immune, and lifestyle factors of each patient, we can tailor treatments to be more effective and better tolerated. While the road to widespread personalized medicine for psoriasis is still being paved, it holds great promise for transforming the lives of individuals living with this condition. As researchers and healthcare providers continue to collaborate, we can expect more targeted therapies, fewer side effects, and improved outcomes for psoriasis patients. Personalized medicine isn't just a buzzword; it's a path to a brighter future for those battling psoriasis, offering hope for a world where each patient's journey to clearer skin is as unique as they are.