LITE Study Trial Design1
Candidates for phototherapy
- Age 12+, plaque or guttate psoriasis (trunk/extremities)
- PGA >1.0; considered a phototherapy candidate
- New or established practice patient
Office-Based Phototherapy
- Narrowband UVB delivered in clinic (~24-bulb surround unit)
- In-person visits ~3x per week for 12 weeks
Home-Based Phototherapy
- Daavlin 7 Series 3-Panel home unit, now called the Phothera 600-3D, (8–12 bulbs)
- Built-in dosimetry / UV sensor auto-adjusts dose for lamp aging
Clinical response & quality of life
- PGA score of Clear / Almost Clear (0/1)
- DLQI ≤5 (minimal impact on quality of life)
- ≥80% of assigned treatments received (adherence)
- Cumulative dose; PGA×BSA 75%/90% reduction
Durability of response
- Time to DLQI >5, or a new/escalated systemic treatment
- Dichotomized DLQI at weeks 16, 20, and 24
Skin-related adverse events — specifically burns lasting 48 hours or more — were assessed as a distinct outcome through Week 12 in both treatment arms.
The Key Highlights of the LITE Study:
The LITE Study proved that home phototherapy is highly effective for plaque and guttate psoriasis with 50% of patients seeing clear, or nearly clear skin at 12 weeks. In addition, the study also demonstrated the need for supplementary oral or biological treatments decreased.
The LITE Study included 783 patients across all skin types (I-VI) and proved that phototherapy is effective across all skin types with the highest efficacy shown with skin type V & VI.
In a majority of cases, home phototherapy negated the need for supplemental treatments and therefore greatly reduced out-of-pocket expenses for patients – resulting in higher patient satisfaction.
On average, a typical in-office treatment entailed ~1 hour of travel to and from and approximately $20 in travel expenses – home phototherapy allows the patient to be treated in their home and at a time most convenient for them.
Utilizing the ClearLink® Controller with Guided Mode technology, patients were confident in their treatment path and found it easy to navigate for an effective treatment at home.
Higher Adherence at Home
The LITE Study showed a 3x higher adherence with at-home phototherapy vs. clinical settings across all skin types (I-VI)1
Treatment Adherence by Setting
Comparing patient adherence rates across care environments
Home Phototherapy Validated in a Landmark Clinical Trial
The LITE (Light Treatment Effectiveness) Study was a randomized clinical trial comparing home- and office-based NB-UVB phototherapy in 783 patients with plaque or guttate psoriasis across all skin phototypes (I–VI). Home phototherapy was noninferior to office-based treatment for the study’s co-primary effectiveness outcomes.
Less Burden. Greater Flexibility.
Home phototherapy was associated with better treatment adherence and a lower burden of indirect costs to patients compared with office-based treatment proving greater flexibility with prescribing options for appropriate patients.
The LITE Study Home Phototherapy Devices Utilized
the ClearLink Controller with Guided Mode functionality
Guided Mode is the safest way to administer home phototherapy. The intuitive interface guides patients through treatments, ensuring safe and accurate treatments every time.
“Adding phototherapy to the mix can really help us maintain response, help people, and get to the ultimate objective we are trying to achieve for them.”
– Joel Gelfand, M.D.
Other Helpful Resources:
The LITE Study
The LITE Study hopes to narrow the gap in knowledge for patients, dermatologists, and healthcare plan payers on the effectiveness of home versus office-based phototherapy. Learn more about the reasoning behind the groundbreaking study by clicking the link below.
JAMA Network
The JAMA Network is the premier resource for the latest industry news, journal articles, and treatment options. Download the LITE Study paper by clicking the link below.
National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF)
The National Psoriasis Foundation is widely renowned as the primary advocate for those battling varying types of psoriasis. Learn more about how the NPF sees the industry changing now that the LITE Study results have been published.
Dermatology Times
The Dermatology Times presents the latest news and insights from the world of Dermatology.
Read their takeaway from the LITE Study.
Learn how our phototherapy solutions can help you.
Contact Phothera, today!
References:
- Gelfand JM, Armstrong AW, Lim HW, et al. Home- vs office-based narrowband UV-B phototherapy for patients with psoriasis: the LITE randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2024;160(12):1320-1328. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.3897.