Tag: Systemic therapy

Abruptly stopping methotrexate treatment for psoriasis is associated with a significantly higher relapse rate compared to a gradual reduction in dose. Therefore, for patients who have achieved a satisfactory response, it is crucial to understand how to taper methotrexate in psoriasis safely under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, many patients on methotrexate for psoriasis may start to see improvement in their symptoms within four to six weeks. This provides a starting point for understanding how quickly does methotrexate work on psoriasis, though maximum clearing often takes much longer.

In some long-term studies, methotrexate therapy has been shown to produce a 'good' effect in up to 76% of patients with extensive plaque psoriasis, while newer data suggests a wide range of responses depending on the patient and dosage. The ultimate success rate of methotrexate for psoriasis is influenced by several factors and is best understood through standardized metrics like the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI).

According to the National Cancer Institute, adjuvant therapy is an additional cancer treatment given *after* the primary treatment, such as surgery, to lower the risk of recurrence. In contrast, chemotherapy is a specific *type* of drug-based treatment that uses powerful medicines to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The key difference between adjuvant therapy and chemotherapy is one of timing and scope—one is a treatment strategy, and the other is a treatment method.

Adjuvant therapy has become a cornerstone of modern cancer treatment, representing a proactive strategy to improve long-term patient outcomes. The best reason to administer adjuvant therapy is to eradicate microscopic cancer cells that remain after primary treatment, effectively reducing the risk of cancer recurrence.