Dermatologists' Prescribing Preferences for Psoriasis Treatment in Cancer Patients Revealed

A study published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science has investigated the systemic and biologic agent choices of dermatologists in Ireland for patients with psoriasis and a cancer diagnosis. The research found that methotrexate was the most commonly selected agent for all scenarios, including a 5-year remission, while fumaric acid esters were the least frequently selected. The study also revealed that apremilast was selected most commonly for patients with stage 1 breast cancer, lymphoma, and metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

Key Takeaways:

• Methotrexate was the most commonly selected agent for all scenarios, including a 5-year remission, chosen by 27 dermatologists in Ireland.
• Fumaric acid esters were the least frequently selected agents, chosen by only a few dermatologists in the study.
• Apremilast was selected most commonly for patients with stage 1 breast cancer (26%), lymphoma (22%), and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (30%).
• In general, systemic and biologic agents are used by Irish dermatologists in the setting of psoriasis and cancer, as found in the study.
• The study concluded that Irish dermatology consultants often prefer methotrexate over other agents for treating psoriasis in cancer patients.
• Researchers from Victoria University, including Stephanie Bowe, Michelle Murphy, John Bourke, and Caitriona Ryan, conducted the study.
• The study has been peer-reviewed and published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science.

Statistics:

• 27 dermatologists in Ireland participated in the study, responding to an electronic questionnaire.
• 26% of dermatologists selected apremilast for patients with stage 1 breast cancer.
• 22% of dermatologists selected apremilast for patients with lymphoma.
• 30% of dermatologists selected apremilast for patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
• Methotrexate was chosen by 27 dermatologists for all scenarios.

Sources:

• Irish Journal of Medical Science, 2025
• NewsRx. Study Findings on Psoriasis Are Outlined in Reports from Victoria University (An assessment of the prescribing preferences of Irish dermatology consultants for the treatment of severe psoriasis in the setting of a cancer diagnosis). Health & Medicine Week. October 17, 2025; p 8080.