Rene claude Santus

Prof. Rene claude Santus

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

5Years (2022-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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21 November 2022 in Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
MAMiguel Alpalhão
Miguel Alpalhão
DBDavid Botequim
David Botequim
JFJoão Ferreira
João Ferreira
RSRene claude Santus
Rene claude Santus
PFPaulo Filipe
Paulo Filipe

16 December 2025 in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
IAInês Tribolet de Abreu
Inês Tribolet de Abreu
RSRene claude Santus
Rene claude Santus
JFJoão Ferreira
João Ferreira
PFPaulo Filipe
Paulo Filipe

20 March 2026 in Photochemistry and Photobiology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
José CastellJosé Castell
José Castell
Hermenegildo GarcíaHermenegildo García
Hermenegildo García
ACAvelino Corma
Avelino Corma
Virginie Lhiaubet-ValletVirginie Lhiaubet-Vallet
Virginie Lhiaubet-Vallet
WAWaldemar Adam
Waldemar Adam
MBMiguel Blanca
Miguel Blanca

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMiguel Alpalhão
Miguel Alpalhão
JAJoana Antunes
Joana Antunes
JFJoão António Ferreira
João António Ferreira
RSRene claude Santus
Rene claude Santus
PFPaulo Filipe
Paulo Filipe
Background/Objectives: The management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in patients with a recent history of internal malignancy is a clinical challenge, as systemic immunosuppressive therapies are often avoided because of concerns about cancer recurrence. While Psoralen and Ultraviolet A (PUVA) photochemotherapy remains a valuable non-immunosuppressive alternative, regional variations in therapeutic response are not well-characterized in this population. This study aimed to evaluate total and segmental Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) responses to PUVA in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and recent internal organ malignancy. Methods: This prospective, single-center, real-world cohort study enrolled 20 adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis and a recent (<5 years) diagnosis of internal organ malignancy in complete remission. Participants received oral PUVA three times weekly for up to 30 sessions. Primary and secondary outcomes included changes in total PASI, segmental PASI (head/neck, trunk, upper limbs, and lower limbs), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) at baseline, completion of therapy, and 6 months post-treatment. Results: PUVA led to a significant reduction in mean total PASI from 18.6 ± 3.2 at baseline to 5.7 ± 6.0 at treatment completion (69% reduction; p < 0.001). However, regional responses differed significantly: the head and neck improved the most (80.4%), followed by the trunk (72.2%) and upper limbs (72.3%), while the lower limbs showed the weakest response (59.5%; p < 0.001). At baseline, trunk contributed the most to total PASI (38%), while post-treatment, lower-limb lesions accounted for approximately 47% of the remaining total disease burden, showing the highest contribution to total PASI of all body regions. At 6 months, the lower limbs remained the most affected area, with significantly lower improvement (52.9%) compared to other regions. Mean DLQI also improved significantly from 17.2 ± 2.8 to 5.6 ± 2.6 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: PUVA is an effective and safe treatment for patients with psoriasis and a recent history of malignancy. Nevertheless, lower-limb psoriasis is relatively recalcitrant and contributes disproportionately to residual disease burden and relapse. These findings support the use of regional PASI assessment to guide individualized management and clinical expectations in this complex patient group.