Severe hidradenitis suppurativa responding to treatment with secukinumab: a case report3. (25th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thorlacius, L.; Theut Riis, P.; Jemec, G.B.E.
• Is Part Of: British journal of dermatology. Volume 179:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 182
• Page End: 185
• Publication Date: 2018-03-25
• Subjects: Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15769
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-0963

Abstract

Summary: An inappropriate immunological response to an unknown antigen has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Studies have identified elevated levels of several proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐17A and tumour necrosis factor‐α, nominating these as possible therapeutic targets. 1 Secukinumab is an IL‐17A monoclonal antibody, which binds to IL‐17A and inhibits the cytokine interaction with the IL‐17 receptors, inhibiting the inflammatory cascade. Here we report a case of a 47‐year‐old man, with Hurley stage III lesions on the neck, axillae, breasts, genital skin and buttocks, who had experienced only temporary benefit from different medical treatments over several years. After 12 weeks of treatment with secukinumab, the number of lesions reported by the patient within the period of the last 4 weeks was reduced from 23 to seven, his pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was reduced from 5 to 3 and pain/utility/handicap VAS score was reduced from 7 to 4. These results may be taken to imply that IL‐17 blockade could provide a possible therapeutic approach in the treatment of HS. Abstract : What's already known about this topic? An inappropriate immunological response is suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Studies have identified elevated levels of several proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐17A, nominating these as possible therapeutic targets. Secukinumab is an IL‐17A monoclonal antibody. What does this study add? This study describes a case report of a 47‐year‐old man with severe HS who responded to treatment with secukinumab. These results encourage further investigations of IL‐17 blockade in the treatment of HS. Linked Comment: Matusiak. Br J Dermatol 2018;179 :14–15 . Plain language summary available online