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Psoriasis Microbiome and Phototherapy

The Cutaneous Microbiota of Psoriasis: Lesional Variation and a Phase IV, Interventional Study of Its Response to Phototherapy

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT02552316
Enrollment
34
Registered
2015-09-17
Start date
2014-12-31
Completion date
2020-10-31
Last updated
2020-12-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Psoriasis

Keywords

microbiome, bacteria, NB-UVB Phototherapy, light therapy

Brief summary

The ASPIRE study is a clinical trial designed to examine the microbes (e.g., bacteria) within psoriasis skin lesions compared with normal skin. The investigators will also examine the effect of NB-UVB (narrow-band ultraviolet B) phototherapy (i.e., light therapy) on skin microbes.

Interventions

Sponsors

Pfizer
CollaboratorINDUSTRY
University of Pennsylvania
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Males and females 18 years of age and older. 2. Clinical diagnosis of psoriasis for at least 6 months as determined by subject interview of his/her medical history and confirmation of diagnosis through physical examination by Investigator. 3. Stable plaque psoriasis for at least 2 months before Screening and at Baseline (Week 1) as determined by subject interview of his/her medical history. 4. Subject is a candidate for phototherapy. 5. Subject has at least one psoriatic plaque measuring at least 6cm x 2cm located on either the arms or the legs (excluding intertriginous areas such as the axilla and inguinal folds) 6. Able and willing to give written informed consent and to comply with requirements of this study protocol.

Exclusion criteria

1. Subject has photosensitizing condition or other contraindication to phototherapy 2. Diagnosis of erythrodermic psoriasis, generalized or localized pustular psoriasis, medication-induced or medication-exacerbated psoriasis, or new onset guttate psoriasis. 3. Cannot discontinue or avoid topical therapies for psoriasis for at least 14 days prior to the Baseline (Week 1) visit and during the study other than on face, underarms, or groin. 4. Cannot discontinue or avoid UVB phototherapy or Excimer laser for at least 14 days prior to the Baseline (Week 1) visit. 5. Subject is receiving therapy for psoriasis that requires a wash out period of more than 14 days (e.g., psoralen-UVA phototherapy, oral systemic therapy, biologic therapy, or other investigational therapy). 6. Other active inflammatory dermatologic conditions (e.g., eczema) or presence of pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis. 7. Any history of acute or chronic bacterial, fungal, or viral infection (including HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, or other severe or recurrent infections) within 30 days of baseline sample collection. 8. Subject has used systemic (oral or parenteral) antibiotic, antimycotic, or antiviral within 3 months or topical antibiotic, antimycotic, or antiviral within 14 days of baseline sample collection or requires use of any topical or systemic antibiotic, antimycotic, or antiviral during the study. 9. Consumption of large doses of commercial probiotics (greater than or equal to 108 cfu or organisms per day) including tablets, capsules, lozenges, chewing gum or powders in which probiotic is a primary component. Ordinary dietary components such as fermented beverages/milks, yogurts, and foods do not apply. 10. Presence of comorbid medical condition (e.g., HIV, malignancy within past 5 years other than successfully treated basal cell carcinoma, non-metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or cervical carcinoma in-situ) that significantly alters the immune system or results in immunosuppression. 11. Subject is taking (within up to 180 days of baseline sample collection) or requires topical or systemic therapy during the study that significantly alters the immune system or results in immunosuppression (e.g., chemotherapy, oral or injectable corticosteroid). Inhaled corticosteroids for stable medical conditions are allowed. 12. Unstable dietary history as defined by major changes in diet within 30 days of baseline or during study, where the subject has or plans to eliminate or significantly increase major food group in the diet. 13. Recent history of substance abuse or psychiatric illness that could preclude compliance with the protocol. 14. History of any substance abuse within 365 days of screening visit. 15. Female subject who is pregnant or breast-feeding or considering becoming pregnant during the study. 16. Major surgery of the gastrointestinal tract, with the exception of cholecystectomy and appendectomy, in the past 5 years. Any major bowel resection at any time. 17. History of active uncontrolled gastrointestinal disorders or diseases including: * Inflammatory bowel disease including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or indeterminate colitis; * Irritable bowel syndrome; * Persistent, infectious gastroenteritis, colitis, or gastritis, persistent or chronic diarrhea or unknown etiology, Clostridium difficile infection (recurrent) or Helicobacter pylori infection (untreated).

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at BaselineBaselineVariation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. The Alpha Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species in a sample. The greater the index value, the more diverse the skin microbiota. The diversity of the microbiota present in the given sample was measured using the Shannon Diversity Index, whereby each arm title is describing the difference in the measure of diversity between the comparison groups.
Change in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 8Week 8Variation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. Changes in microbial diversity was assessed between baseline and week 8. The Alpha Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species in a sample. The greater the index value, the more diverse the skin microbiota. The diversity of the microbiota present in the given sample was measured using the Shannon Diversity Index, whereby each arm title is describing the difference in the measure of diversity between the comparison groups.
Change in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9.Week 9Variation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. Changes in microbial diversity was assessed between baseline and week 9. The Alpha Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species in a sample. The greater the index value, the more diverse the skin microbiota. The diversity of the microbiota present in the given sample was measured using the Shannon Diversity Index, whereby each arm title is describing the difference in the measure of diversity between the comparison groups.
Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at BaselineBaselineVariation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. The Beta Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species between two different regions. The greater the index, the more diverse the microbiota between the two regions.
Change in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 8Week 8Variation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. Changes in microbial diversity was assessed between baseline and week 8. The Beta Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species between two different regions. The greater the index, the more diverse the microbiota between the two regions.
Change in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9Week 9Variation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. Changes in microbial diversity was assessed between baseline and week 9. The Beta Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species between two different regions. The greater the index, the more diverse the microbiota between the two regions.
Cutaneous Bacterial Load at BaselineBaselineBacterial count per sample at baseline prior to initiation of phototherapy.
Change in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 8.Week 8Bacterial count per sample at baseline prior to initiation of phototherapy vs at week 8 after initiation of phototherapy.
Change in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 9.Week 9Bacterial count per sample at baseline prior to initiation of phototherapy vs at week 9 after initiation of phototherapy.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Participants by arm

ArmCount
NB-UVB Phototherapy
NB-UVB phototherapy is a therapy which uses ultraviolet B (UVB) light directed at the skin. This type of light therapy is given through the use of phototherapy booths which contain fluorescent tubes that emit UVB light. Booths used for phototherapy look similar to commercial tanning booths. NB-UVB phototherapy affects psoriasis by causing changes to the cells of the skin and producing a local effect by reducing the number of certain types of skin cells which have an impact on psoriasis formation. NB-UVB Phototherapy
34
Total34

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject1
Overall StudyWithdrawal due to non-compliance1

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicNB-UVB Phototherapy
Age, Continuous45.5 years
Age of psoriasis onset
20 - 39 years
10 Participants
Age of psoriasis onset
< 20 years
16 Participants
Age of psoriasis onset
≥40 years
8 Participants
Body Mass Index29.60 Kg/m^2
Body Surface Area (BSA)7.55 percentage (%)
Duration of psoriasis (year)11.5 years
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
3 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
31 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
Fitzpatrick skin type
Type I
1 Participants
Fitzpatrick skin type
Type II
18 Participants
Fitzpatrick skin type
Type III
6 Participants
Fitzpatrick skin type
Type IV
4 Participants
Fitzpatrick skin type
Type V
5 Participants
Physician Global Assessment (PGA)
Lesion
3 units on a scale
Physician Global Assessment (PGA)
Overall
3 units on a scale
Plaque location
Arm
8 Participants
Plaque location
Leg
26 Participants
Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score9.55 units on a scale
Psoriatic arthritis diagnosis
No
33 Participants
Psoriatic arthritis diagnosis
Yes
1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
3 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
6 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
2 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
22 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
11 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
23 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 34
other
Total, other adverse events
17 / 34
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 34

Outcome results

Primary

Change in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 8.

Bacterial count per sample at baseline prior to initiation of phototherapy vs at week 8 after initiation of phototherapy.

Time frame: Week 8

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group 1a- Plaque Center vs Plaque EdgeChange in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 8.0.53 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.2
Group 1b- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Perilesional UnaffectedChange in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 8.0.85 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.41
Group 1c- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Distant Unaffected SkinChange in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 8.-0.05 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.23
Group 1d- Ipsilateral Unaffected Skin: Perilesional vs DistantChange in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 8.-0.08 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.16
Group 1e- Plaque Center vs Contralateral Unaffected SkinChange in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 8.-0.01 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.2
Group 6Change in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 8.-0.01 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.18
Primary

Change in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 9.

Bacterial count per sample at baseline prior to initiation of phototherapy vs at week 9 after initiation of phototherapy.

Time frame: Week 9

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group 1a- Plaque Center vs Plaque EdgeChange in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 9.0.68 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.17
Group 1b- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Perilesional UnaffectedChange in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 9.0.61 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.42
Group 1c- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Distant Unaffected SkinChange in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 9.-0.01 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.17
Group 1d- Ipsilateral Unaffected Skin: Perilesional vs DistantChange in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 9.-0.01 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.15
Group 1e- Plaque Center vs Contralateral Unaffected SkinChange in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 9.-0.02 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.24
Group 6Change in Cutaneous Bacterial Load Between Baseline and Week 9.-0.002 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.18
Primary

Change in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 8

Variation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. Changes in microbial diversity was assessed between baseline and week 8. The Beta Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species between two different regions. The greater the index, the more diverse the microbiota between the two regions.

Time frame: Week 8

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group 1a- Plaque Center vs Plaque EdgeChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 8-0.021 Jaccard's indexStandard Error 0.02
Group 1b- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Perilesional UnaffectedChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 8-0.002 Jaccard's indexStandard Error 0.016
Group 1c- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Distant Unaffected SkinChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 80.008 Jaccard's indexStandard Error 0.009
Group 1d- Ipsilateral Unaffected Skin: Perilesional vs DistantChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 80.013 Jaccard's indexStandard Error 0.011
Group 1e- Plaque Center vs Contralateral Unaffected SkinChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 80.008 Jaccard's indexStandard Error 0.01
Primary

Change in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9

Variation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. Changes in microbial diversity was assessed between baseline and week 9. The Beta Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species between two different regions. The greater the index, the more diverse the microbiota between the two regions.

Time frame: Week 9

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group 1a- Plaque Center vs Plaque EdgeChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9-0.016 Jaccard's indexStandard Error 0.019
Group 1b- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Perilesional UnaffectedChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9-0.001 Jaccard's indexStandard Error 0.01
Group 1c- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Distant Unaffected SkinChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9-0.007 Jaccard's indexStandard Error 0.009
Group 1d- Ipsilateral Unaffected Skin: Perilesional vs DistantChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9-0.004 Jaccard's indexStandard Error 0.011
Group 1e- Plaque Center vs Contralateral Unaffected SkinChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline vs Week 90.0002 Jaccard's indexStandard Error 0.011
Primary

Change in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 8

Variation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. Changes in microbial diversity was assessed between baseline and week 8. The Alpha Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species in a sample. The greater the index value, the more diverse the skin microbiota. The diversity of the microbiota present in the given sample was measured using the Shannon Diversity Index, whereby each arm title is describing the difference in the measure of diversity between the comparison groups.

Time frame: Week 8

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group 1a- Plaque Center vs Plaque EdgeChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 8-0.08 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.12
Group 1b- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Perilesional UnaffectedChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 8-0.12 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.11
Group 1c- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Distant Unaffected SkinChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 80.03 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.16
Group 1d- Ipsilateral Unaffected Skin: Perilesional vs DistantChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 8-0.07 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.13
Primary

Change in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9.

Variation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. Changes in microbial diversity was assessed between baseline and week 9. The Alpha Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species in a sample. The greater the index value, the more diverse the skin microbiota. The diversity of the microbiota present in the given sample was measured using the Shannon Diversity Index, whereby each arm title is describing the difference in the measure of diversity between the comparison groups.

Time frame: Week 9

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group 1a- Plaque Center vs Plaque EdgeChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9.-0.03 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.11
Group 1b- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Perilesional UnaffectedChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9.-0.13 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.16
Group 1c- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Distant Unaffected SkinChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9.-0.01 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.16
Group 1d- Ipsilateral Unaffected Skin: Perilesional vs DistantChange in Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline vs Week 9.0.19 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.11
Primary

Cutaneous Bacterial Load at Baseline

Bacterial count per sample at baseline prior to initiation of phototherapy.

Time frame: Baseline

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group 1a- Plaque Center vs Plaque EdgeCutaneous Bacterial Load at Baseline0.21 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.24
Group 1b- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Perilesional UnaffectedCutaneous Bacterial Load at Baseline0.60 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.18
Group 1c- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Distant Unaffected SkinCutaneous Bacterial Load at Baseline0.71 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.17
Group 1d- Ipsilateral Unaffected Skin: Perilesional vs DistantCutaneous Bacterial Load at Baseline0.57 Log10 [bacterial count/sample]Standard Error 0.21
Primary

Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline

Variation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. The Beta Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species between two different regions. The greater the index, the more diverse the microbiota between the two regions.

Time frame: Baseline

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group 1a- Plaque Center vs Plaque EdgeCutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline0.003 Jaccard indexStandard Error 0.015
Group 1b- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Perilesional UnaffectedCutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline0.012 Jaccard indexStandard Error 0.014
Group 1c- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Distant Unaffected SkinCutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline0.021 Jaccard indexStandard Error 0.015
Group 1d- Ipsilateral Unaffected Skin: Perilesional vs DistantCutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline0.009 Jaccard indexStandard Error 0.01
Group 1e- Plaque Center vs Contralateral Unaffected SkinCutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline0.018 Jaccard indexStandard Error 0.011
Group 6Cutaneous Microbiota Jaccard's Beta Diversity at Baseline0.009 Jaccard indexStandard Error 0.01
Primary

Cutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline

Variation in the microbial diversity of skin affected and unaffected by psoriasis was characterized at baseline. The Alpha Diversity Index is a quantitative measure that reflects the diversity of bacterial species in a sample. The greater the index value, the more diverse the skin microbiota. The diversity of the microbiota present in the given sample was measured using the Shannon Diversity Index, whereby each arm title is describing the difference in the measure of diversity between the comparison groups.

Time frame: Baseline

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Group 1a- Plaque Center vs Plaque EdgeCutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline-0.05 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.06
Group 1b- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Perilesional UnaffectedCutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline0.06 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.1
Group 1c- Plaque Center vs Ipsilateral Distant Unaffected SkinCutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline-0.06 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.09
Group 1d- Ipsilateral Unaffected Skin: Perilesional vs DistantCutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline0.12 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.08
Group 1e- Plaque Center vs Contralateral Unaffected SkinCutaneous Microbiota Shannon's Alpha Diversity at Baseline0.26 Shannon's indexStandard Error 0.12

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026