Home phototherapy as effective as office phototherapy in treating psoriasis, finds study

A recent study tested the narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (NB-UVB) for psoriasis at home and found it to be noninferior to office treatment, based on the outcomes that matter to patients, clinicians and payers. The findings of from the LITE study suggest that home phototherapy can be an effective first-line treatment for the patients suffering from moderate to severe psoriasis.

Phototherapy or light therapy is a treatment method which involves the exposure of skin to ultraviolet light under medical supervision. It is commonly used to manage conditions like psoriasis. The patients typically undergo phototherapy sessions either at a the office of dermatologist or at home using specialized equipment. However, many challenges can possibly hinder access to office-based phototherapy like the limited availability in certain regions, the inconvenience of frequent visits and high copayments. While home phototherapy presents an important alternative, it is less frequently covered by insurance and some clinicians hesitate to recommend it.

The Light Treatment Effectiveness (LITE) study was conducted from 2019 to 2023 to address these issues. This extensive research initiative was carried forward by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the University of Utah, and was funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI). 

The primary objective of the LITE study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness, safety and duration of treatment response between home-based and office-based narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy for treating plaque or guttate psoriasis. The study included a diverse range of skin types to provide insights that are applicable across different demographics.