OBJECTIVES: Evaluate dermatologist and patient satisfaction of patients receiving guselkumab (GUS) for treatment of plaque psoriasis (PsO).

METHODS: Retrospective, observational cohort study using point-in-time survey data from patients and their treating dermatologists using Adelphi Psoriasis IX Disease Specific Program^® collected from August 2018-March 2019 within the US and EU5. GUS-treated patients with treatment satisfaction information from both dermatologists and patients were included. Overall satisfaction, level of agreement among dermatologists and patients, satisfaction by time on therapy, and reason for dissatisfaction were evaluated.

RESULTS: Out of 493 total GUS patients, 213 patients (43%) had dermatologist and patient satisfaction information. Median age was 42 (IQR 35-51), 92% white, 54% male, and median time on GUS was 16weeks (IQR 10-30weeks). Majority of dermatologists (90%) and patients (82%) indicated satisfaction with GUS. 79% of patient-dermatologist pairs agreed that they were satisfied with GUS (kappa=0.45). Satisfaction was higher among those on GUS therapy for longer duration (18weeks vs. 12weeks; p<0.01). Patients and/or dermatologists who indicated “not satisfied” (n=45), were more likely to have higher patient BSA (14.0vs.2.0;p<0.01), physician-reported severe disease (15.6%vs.4.2%;p<0.01), depression (24.4%vs.6.6%;p<0.01), anxiety (26.7%vs.8.9%;p<0.01), sensitive area lesions (scalp, face, nails, genitalia, palms, soles feet) (77.8%vs.38.1%;p<0.01), and using concomitant topical-medications (71.1%vs.38.1%;p<0.01). Top reported reasons for dissatisfaction among dermatologists were: “treatment wasn’t working quickly enough” (32%) and “complete clearance was not achieved” (27%). Top reasons for patient dissatisfaction were: “it hasn’t completely cleared my skin” (48%) and “my psoriasis is still visible to others” (36%).

CONCLUSIONS: Most patients and dermatologists reported satisfaction with GUS therapy, with moderate agreement between providers and patient satisfaction. Higher satisfaction with GUS was reported for those treated with GUS for longer durations. Further research with longer follow-up time for GUS therapy is needed to establish better understanding of treatment satisfaction.