Patient Perspectives on Dupilumab Therapy for Atopic Dermatitis: Experiences, Expectations and Treatment Impact.

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterised by epidermal barrier dysfunction and type 2 immune dysregulation. Dupilumab was the first biologic approved for severe AD and has transformed management of moderate-to-severe disease. Although clinical trials and international real-world studies have demonstrated sustained efficacy and acceptable tolerability, Australian data describing patient-reported experience with dupilumab remain limited.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey study of adults receiving dupilumab for moderate-to-severe AD at the Royal Melbourne Hospital dermatology clinic. Over a two-month period, QR codes linked to an anonymous electronic questionnaire displayed in waiting areas and consultation rooms. Survey data were collected and managed using REDCap (Research Electronic Data Capture). The questionnaire examined treatment administration, perceived effectiveness, symptom change, treatment satisfaction, ocular and non-ocular adverse effects and concomitant therapy use.

Results: During the recruitment period, 68 patients receiving dupilumab attended clinic and were eligible to participate; 48 completed the survey, corresponding to a response rate of 70.6%. Most respondents reported marked clinical benefit, with 66.7% reporting significant improvement in eczema control and 22.9% reporting complete resolution. Overall satisfaction was high, with 83.3% reporting being satisfied or very satisfied with treatment. Dupilumab was perceived as more effective than previous therapies by 83.3% of patients. Ocular symptoms were common amongst the cohort.

Conclusions: In this tertiary australian cohort, patients treated with dupilumab reported high satisfaction and Substantial improvement in disease control and quality of life. These findings support the real-world effectiveness of dupilumab and highlight the importance of proactive recognition and management of ocular adverse effects.