Can a Machine Learning Tool Be Used to Improve Psoriasis Patient Outcomes?
Machine learning-based tool that predicts response to biologics significantly altered physician prescribing and improved patient outcomes
By Dermsquared Editorial Team | November 23, 2022
A machine learning-based tool (Mind.Px) that predicts patient response to biologic classes used for psoriasis alters physician behavior and improves patient outcomes, according to a research letter published online Nov. 16 in SKIN.
Bruce E. Strober, M.D., Ph.D., from the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and colleagues examined the clinical utility of Mind.Px among 112 psoriasis patients who were biologic-naive or switching their biologic. A dermal biomarker patch was applied to lesional skin at baseline; Mind.Px test results were provided to physicians prior to selection of biologics. For each patient, the choice of biologic was recorded, and in the case of physician nonconcordance with Mind.Px, a questionnaire was completed. The data were compared to those obtained previously for 180 patients whose Mind.Px results were not provided to physicians at any point during treatment.
The researchers found that when given access to Mind.Px, physician behavior was significantly altered, with concordance between the Mind.Px-informed and Mind.Px-uninformed groups of 84.4 and 53.8 percent, respectively. Clinical outcomes were improved for patients whose physicians were provided with Mind.Px test results. This cohort reached a 75 percent or greater reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores from baseline sooner than those who were not provided with test results.
"While this interim [analysis] demonstrates statistically significant changes in physician behavior and improved patient outcomes from this behavior change, the cohort of patients who have currently completed the study is limited," the authors write.
Several authors disclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including Mindera Health, which manufactures Mind.Px and funded the study.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)
Bruce E. Strober, M.D., Ph.D., from the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, and colleagues examined the clinical utility of Mind.Px among 112 psoriasis patients who were biologic-naive or switching their biologic. A dermal biomarker patch was applied to lesional skin at baseline; Mind.Px test results were provided to physicians prior to selection of biologics. For each patient, the choice of biologic was recorded, and in the case of physician nonconcordance with Mind.Px, a questionnaire was completed. The data were compared to those obtained previously for 180 patients whose Mind.Px results were not provided to physicians at any point during treatment.
The researchers found that when given access to Mind.Px, physician behavior was significantly altered, with concordance between the Mind.Px-informed and Mind.Px-uninformed groups of 84.4 and 53.8 percent, respectively. Clinical outcomes were improved for patients whose physicians were provided with Mind.Px test results. This cohort reached a 75 percent or greater reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores from baseline sooner than those who were not provided with test results.
"While this interim [analysis] demonstrates statistically significant changes in physician behavior and improved patient outcomes from this behavior change, the cohort of patients who have currently completed the study is limited," the authors write.
Several authors disclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, including Mindera Health, which manufactures Mind.Px and funded the study.
Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)