TY - JOUR
T1 - Calcipotriol/Betamethasone Dipropionate for the Treatment of Psoriasis
T2 - Mechanism of Action and Evidence of Efficacy and Safety versus Topical Corticosteroids
AU - Gisondi, Paolo
AU - Gracia-Cazaña, Tamara
AU - Kurzen, Hjalmar
AU - Galván, Jordi
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 by the authors.
PY - 2024/8
Y1 - 2024/8
N2 - The combined treatment with calcipotriol (Cal) and betamethasone dipropionate (BDP) has emerged as the leading anti-psoriatic topical treatment. Fixed-dose Cal/BDP is available in different formulations, including ointment, gel, foam, and cream. This review examines the mechanism of action of Cal/BDP underlying its therapeutic effect and compiles the evidence regarding its efficacy and safety compared to monotherapy with topical corticosteroids. The dual-action of Cal/BDP targets the inflammatory pathways and abnormal keratinocyte proliferation, both of them fundamental mechanisms of psoriasis pathogenesis. A large number of randomized, double-blind studies support Cal/BDP superiority over topical corticosteroids, demonstrating its broad efficacy across several degrees of psoriasis severity and its capability to provide early significant clinical improvements. This increased efficacy is achieved without negative effects on the safety profile, since the incidence of adverse effects reported with Cal/BDP is usually similar to that of BDP and even lower than that of Cal alone. The combination therapy rapid onset of action, coupled with a simplified dosing regimen, has been identified as crucial for improving long-term adherence and patient outcomes. In conclusion, Cal/BDP is confirmed as a versatile, effective, and convenient option for the patient in psoriasis management.
AB - The combined treatment with calcipotriol (Cal) and betamethasone dipropionate (BDP) has emerged as the leading anti-psoriatic topical treatment. Fixed-dose Cal/BDP is available in different formulations, including ointment, gel, foam, and cream. This review examines the mechanism of action of Cal/BDP underlying its therapeutic effect and compiles the evidence regarding its efficacy and safety compared to monotherapy with topical corticosteroids. The dual-action of Cal/BDP targets the inflammatory pathways and abnormal keratinocyte proliferation, both of them fundamental mechanisms of psoriasis pathogenesis. A large number of randomized, double-blind studies support Cal/BDP superiority over topical corticosteroids, demonstrating its broad efficacy across several degrees of psoriasis severity and its capability to provide early significant clinical improvements. This increased efficacy is achieved without negative effects on the safety profile, since the incidence of adverse effects reported with Cal/BDP is usually similar to that of BDP and even lower than that of Cal alone. The combination therapy rapid onset of action, coupled with a simplified dosing regimen, has been identified as crucial for improving long-term adherence and patient outcomes. In conclusion, Cal/BDP is confirmed as a versatile, effective, and convenient option for the patient in psoriasis management.
KW - betamethasone
KW - calcipotriol
KW - efficacy
KW - mechanism of action
KW - psoriasis
KW - safety
KW - topical corticosteroids
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85200785857&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.3390/jcm13154484
DO - 10.3390/jcm13154484
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:85200785857
SN - 2077-0383
VL - 13
JO - Journal of Clinical Medicine
JF - Journal of Clinical Medicine
IS - 15
M1 - 4484
ER -