Tacalcitol: A useful adjunct to narrow band ultraviolet B phototherapy in psoriasis

Abstract

Background: A combination of calcipotriol and narrow-band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) has been shown to have a superior efficacy as compared to NBUVB alone in psoriasis. Very few studies have been performed using the combination of NBUVB with tacalcitol, a comparatively newer Vitamin D analogue. Objective: Comparison of the efficacy and safety of topical tacalcitol in combination with NBUVB versus NBUVB alone in psoriasis. Methods: Thirty patients with plaque psoriasis were taken up for a 12 week, open-label, right-left intra-individual clinical trial. NBUVB phototherapy was given thrice weekly. The target lesions on one side were treated topically with tacalcitol ointment once daily, while no topical treatment was given on the other side. Efficacy was assessed by target plaque scoring. Results: Better improvement in plaques was seen with combination therapy as compared to NBUVB monotherapy, with a statistically significant difference from 2 to 8 weeks. The combination led to an earlier clearance of plaques and a better maintenance of the response than NBUVB alone. The number of treatment sessions and cumulative NBUVB doses were significantly lower in the tacalcitol-treated group. Conclusion: Topical tacalcitol enhances the therapeutic effects of NBUVB therapy and exerts a UVB-sparing effect, without increasing the incidence of adverse effects.

Keywords:

• Narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy
• tacalcitol
• psoriasis

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.