Challenges of Managing Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) in Practice

Welcome back to another Dermatology Times Between the Lines series. In this first episode, Dr. Hadar Lev-Tov and Dr. Martina Porter convene for a clinical journal club to discuss the emerging landscape of Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) treatment. The primary focus of the session is the newly released data from the STOP-HS phase 3 clinical trials, which evaluated the efficacy and safety of povorcitinib against a placebo in adults with moderate to severe HS.

The experts highlight that while povorcitinib is not yet FDA-approved, its clinical data represents a significant milestone in an increasingly "loaded" therapeutic pipeline. Dr. Porter emphasizes that despite recent progress, managing HS remains a formidable challenge compared to other dermatological conditions. Current therapies often yield only a 50% to 75% improvement for roughly half of the patient population, and response times are notably slow.

A recurring theme in the discussion is the heterogeneity of HS. Dr. Lev-Tov notes that the underlying cause of the disease remains elusive, suggesting that clinicians might actually be treating multiple distinct disease states under a single diagnosis. This complexity necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, often requiring the strategic layering of medical systemic treatments with surgical interventions.

Ultimately, the speakers express optimism. With new data emerging annually, they aim to provide clinicians with the context needed to integrate these upcoming systemic therapies into real-world practice, moving closer to more personalized and effective long-term management for HS patients.

In the next episode, panelists will continue their discussion on HS and highlight the current treatment landscape.