LITE: Home-Based UV-B Phototherapy Matches Office-Based Treatment in Psoriasis

Results from a new study suggest home-based narrowband UV-B phototherapy for psoriasis is noninferior to office-based treatment in achieving clear skin and improving patient quality of life.

The researchers conducted the analysis across 42 dermatology practices in the United States and included 783 participants with plaque or guttate psoriasis. Participants were randomized to receive either home-based treatment with a guided dosimetry system or routine care in an office setting for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week observation period.

At week 12, 32.8% of patients in the home-based group achieved clear or almost clear skin, compared to 25.6% of patients in the office-based group, according to the study results. Of those receiving home-based treatment, 52.4% of participants reported a Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of 5 or lower, suggesting little to no impact on quality of life. Just 33.6% of the office-based group achieved similar quality-of-life outcomes. Home-based treatment also led to higher patient adherence rates ( 51.4% adhering to the treatment regimen vs. 15.9% in the office-based group). Both therapies were well tolerated and there were no treatment discontinuations due to adverse events.

"In this randomized clinical trial, home-based phototherapy was as effective as office-based phototherapy for plaque or guttate psoriasis in everyday clinical practice and had less burden to patients," the authors concluded. 

Gelfand J, et al. Source: JAMA Dermatology. 2024. Doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.3897