Research Gaps in Geriatric Bullous Pemphigoid Treatments

In a recent interview with the Wound Care Learning Network, Janell Tully, BS, discussed bullous pemphigoid, which is a rare skin condition that causes large, fluid-filled blisters and is commonly found among older adults, although not common. Ms. Tully explains treatments clinicians typically use to treat bullous pemphigoid such as topical therapies and then they move on to broad immunosuppressive agents, for example, biologic medications.

An important aspect of treating the geriatric population is being aware of the limited treatment options clinicians can utilize due to limited research within the clinical trials which include people of advanced age.

Ms. Tully explains that Dupilumab (Sanofi and Regeneron) has been studied in a very limited number of cases where it was reported to be effective and successful in treating bullous pemphigoid. She does express that there is no reliable data in a large clinical trial to tell clinicians that Dupilumab is better than other treatment options and what the safety profile of this medication is when compared with other medications.

In conclusion, Ms. Tully elucidates that there are several treatment options for bullous pemphigoid, but many lack research data on how they would affect the geriatric population. Ms. Tully plans to conduct research more targeted to patients of advanced age, especially when considering bullous pemphigoid.

 –Cat Urbanski, Associate Digital Editor