Treatment Selection of JAK Inhibitors for the Management of AD

This is a video synopsis/summary of a panel discussion involving Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD; Peter Lio, MD; Lisa Swanson, MD, PhD; and Alexandra Golant, MD.

Dr Golant and Dr Swanson discuss the nuanced approach to leveraging Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) and the considerations when selecting therapies for AD patients. Dr Golant emphasizes the importance of patient preference and engaging in shared decision-making, considering the oral, once-daily pill nature of JAK inhibitors versus the subcutaneous injections of biologics. She stresses the need to understand the individual patient's disease extent and its impact on their quality of life to tailor treatment plans accordingly.

Dr Swanson echoes the sentiment of shared decision-making, portraying himself as the navigator and the patient as the captain, collectively deciding on the most suitable treatment route. The discussion delves into the possibility of transitioning patients directly from systemic corticosteroid use to JAK inhibitors, bypassing other treatments like biologics. Both doctors share instances where patients experienced significant improvement on JAK inhibitors, challenging the notion of using them merely as a bridge to biologics.

Dr Lio adds insights into patient cases where JAK inhibitors were chosen over biologics based on comorbidities, such as vitiligo or rheumatoid arthritis, emphasizing the importance of addressing multiple conditions with a single treatment. The doctors agree on the evolving real-world use of JAK inhibitors, acknowledging the changing landscape as comfort and confidence in prescribing these medications grow. They stress that, with a thorough understanding of monitoring requirements, patient selection, and the role of JAK inhibitors, it is appropriate to use them in different ways and sequences tailored to individual patient needs.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by HCPLive editorial staff.