Janus kinase inhibitors (JAK inhibitors) are a class of small molecules that block the activity of Janus kinases, which are enzymes involved in the signaling pathways of various cytokines and growth factors that mediate immune and inflammatory responses. JAK inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of several inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and inflammatory bowel disease.

JAK inhibitors can selectively target specific JAK enzymes, such as JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, and TYK2, leading to modulation of the immune response and reduction of inflammation. The use of JAK inhibitors in dermatology is increasing, with several JAK inhibitors approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, including tofacitinib, baricitinib, and upadacitinib.

JAK inhibitors have also shown promise in the treatment of other inflammatory skin conditions, such as alopecia areata, vitiligo, and chronic spontaneous urticaria. However, JAK inhibitors can have potential side effects, including increased risk of infections, anemia, and liver toxicity. Therefore, careful monitoring of patients receiving JAK inhibitors is recommended.

This quiz is designed to test your knowledge on the JAK inhibitors used in dermatology, including their mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, adverse effects, and drug interactions.

Successful completion of this quiz requires a good understanding of the different JAK inhibitors and their clinical applications. We encourage you to review the associated learning module before taking the quiz.

Complete the quiz now! Click on “Mark Quiz Complete” once completed to keep track of your learning in your dashboard.

Sources

  1. Aboul-Fettouh N, Nijhawan RI. Aggressive squamous cell carcinoma in a patient on the Janus kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib. JAAD Case Rep. 2018;4(5):455-7.
  2. Aleisa AI, Plante JG, Hsia LB. A case of aggressive squamous cell carcinoma with lymphovascular invasion during treatment with the Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib. JAAD Case Rep. 2020;6(8):727-30.
  3. Damsky W, King BA. JAK inhibitors in dermatology: The promise of a new drug class. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(4):736-44.
  4. Shreberk-Hassidim R, Ramot Y, Zlotogorski A. Janus kinase inhibitors in dermatology: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;76(4):745-53.e19.
  5. Silverberg JI, Simpson EL, Thyssen JP, Gooderham M, Chan G, Feeney C, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Abrocitinib in Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2020;156(8):863-73.
  6. Wu J, Smogorzewski J. Off-label studies on ruxolitinib in dermatology: a review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2020:1-7.
  7. Armstrong, A., Gooderham, M., Warren, R. B., Papp, K., Strober, B., Thaçi, D., Colston, E., Throup, J., Kundu, S., Banerjee, S., & Blauvelt, A. (2021). POS1042 efficacy and safety of deucravacitinib, an oral, selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor, compared with placebo and apremilast in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: Results from the phase 3 POETYK PSO-1 study. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 80(Suppl 1). https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.1002
  • Release Date: March 31 2023

  • Last Updated: June 7th, 2023

  • Time to complete: 30 minutes

  • Authors:

    • Dr. Zeinah Alhalees, MD, University of British Columbia.
    • Dr. Naif Aljahani, MD, Prince Sultan Military Medical City,
    • Dr. Abdulhadi Aljfri, MD, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences.
    • Dr. Elena Netchiporouk, MD, McGill University