Ustekinumab en la artritis psoriásica y la enfermedad de Crohn

Abstract

Although ustekinumab is currently licensed for the treatment of psoriasis, in view of the innovative mechanism of action of this biologic agent, it is reasonable to hypothesize that it will, in the near future, be approved for other indications, such as the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and Crohn disease.Interactions between genetic, environmental, and immunological factors play a key role in the pathogenesis of both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The IL-23/TH17 axis is one of the main pathogenic pathways in these diseases, and there is ample evidence to support the use of pharmacologic agents targeting this pathway. Ustekinumab, a human monoclonal antibody that binds to the p40 subunit shared by IL-12 and IL-23, is currently the only agent capable of modulating the IL-23/TH17 pathway. While there is some evidence supporting the use of ustekinumab in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, more data on safety and efficacy are required.Crohn disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that affects the digestive tract. It is treated with corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and anti-TNF agents. Alternative treatments, such as ustekinumab, however, are needed for patients who do not respond to conventional therapy. The results of 2 recent phase IIb studies showed that ustekinumab induced and maintained clinical response in patients with Crohn disease; most of those who responded well had previously been unsuccessfully treated with infliximab and had elevated C reactive protein levels at the time of treatment. Many issues remain to be resolved, including the establishment of an optimal dose and administration route. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of ustekinumab in Crohn disease and to determine the best treatment regimen.The present chapter reviews the current evidence on the potential usefulness of ustekinumab in the treatment of psoriatic arthritis and Crohn disease.