Ep. 265 "Exploring Connections Between Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis"

Description:

Listen as NPF Medical Board Members, dermatologist Dr. Robert Kalb and rheumatologist Dr. Sergio Schwartzman discuss the connections between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, from cytokines to triggers, current and future treatments.  

Join moderator Alan Simmons as he gains insights on what connects psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis with leading experts in psoriatic disease and NPF Medical Board members, dermatologist Dr. Robert Kalb with Buffalo Medical Group Dermatology, and rheumatologist Dr. Sergio Schwartzman from Schwartzman Rheumatology, as they discuss the known drivers of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, common triggers, benefits of targeted treatments, remission of disease, and upcoming treatment trends.

The intent of this episode is to identify potential connections between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, and how targeted treatments have changed the outlook for management of psoriatic disease.

This episode is sponsored by Novartis.

Timestamps:

(0:41) Intro to Psoriasis Uncovered and guest welcome dermatologist Dr. Robert Kalb and rheumatologist Dr. Sergio Schwartzman who are both involved in clinical care and research of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. 

(1:15) Current known pro-inflammatory cytokines and cells found in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.  

(5:33) Types of psoriasis that may lead to a higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.

(9:33) Common triggers for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis that could cause flares of the disease.

(12:59) Key factors that are considered when choosing a treatment plan for any individual with psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

(18:04) What treatment remission means for psoriasis.

(19:36) Use of minimal disease activity (MDA) in psoriatic arthritis and what it means.

(22:14) How a better understanding of the disease has led to more effective treatment choices and what choices are used by Dr. Kalb and Dr. Schwartzman for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

(28:39) New developments in treatment and research in psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis.

(36:01) Given treatment advancements it’s a wonderful time to treat psoriatic disease.

3 Key Takeaways:

·       Cytokines are chemicals in the body that moderate various processes. In psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis,  an unknown trigger stimulates some cells to overproduce pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-17 or IL-23 leading to the development of skin and joint disease. 

·       Treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis helps move the body towards normalizing the over reactive immune system especially with more targeted treatments that safely and effectively block specific cytokines without affecting other organ systems. 

·       Given advancements in targeted treatments the goal is to reach and maintain remission of psoriatic disease.

Guest Bios:  

Leading dermatologist Robert Kalb, M.D. is the Chair of the Buffalo Medical Group Dermatology Department and the Director of the Buffalo Medical Group Phototherapy Center, one of the leading centers for psoriasis care in Western New York. He is also a Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SUNY Buffalo), as well as an Adjunct Professor of Dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania where he plays a significant role in medical education, mentoring both medical students and dermatology residents. Dr. Kalb has extensive experience managing psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and other inflammatory skin diseases. He has authored 70+ publications and is actively involved in clinical research, particularly focused on new treatment options for psoriasis. He is a member of the NPF Medical Board, American Academy of Dermatology, and is a member of the International Psoriasis Council. 

Sergio Schwartzman, MD, is a world-renowned rheumatologist based in New York City who brings almost 40 years of experience and personalized clinical care for those who have psoriatic disease. Along with being in private practice at Schwartzman Rheumatology, Dr. Schwartzman is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, the New York-Presbyterian Hospital, and the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City where he has played a role in educating medical students, residents, fellows, and peers in rheumatology. Additionally, Dr. Schwartzman is the emeritus Franchellie M. Cadwell Clinical Associate Professor at the Hospital for Special Surgery. Dr. Schwartzman’s current research interests include psoriatic arthritis, the spondyloarthritis group of diseases, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as defining and treating autoimmune diseases of the eye. He has authored, co-authored, and edited over 150 papers, abstracts, books and book chapters on topics including psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, axial spondylarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, autoimmune eye disorders, and other rheumatological and autoimmune conditions. He is a member of the NPF Medical Board. He is also a member of the American College of Rheumatology, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the Spondyloarthritis Research and Treatment Network (SPARTAN), the American Uveitis Society, and the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA).

Resources:

Ø  “Redefining Remission. A new definition for patients, providers, and payers.” Advance Online, National Psoriasis Foundation. S. Schlosser. July 14, 2025.

 

Ø  Treatment and Management of Psoriasis  

  Ø  Treatment and Management of Psoriatic Arthritis