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Study suggests melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation as viable treatment for vitiligo

Melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation was an effective, well-tolerated procedure for patients with vitiligo based on both repigmentation categorization and Vitiligo Area Scoring Index, according to recent data.

Patients in the prospective, uncontrolled, open-label study were aged 18 years or older with no new or advancing lesions for at least 6 months prior to surgery. After patients (excluding any with a history of koebnerization or keloid formation) underwent autologous melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation (MKTP), repigmentation was monitored for 3 to 6 months both categorically and by modified Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI).

The follow-up period assessed 23 patients who underwent 29 procedures, with categorization data showing repigmentation after MKTP as:

• “Excellent” (95% to 100%) in 17% of patients
• “Good” (65% to 94%) in 31% of patients
• “Fair” (64% to 25%) in 10% of patients
• “Poor” (24% to 0%) in 41% of patients

The data showed an average change in VASI of –45% (95% CI, –64% to –26%).

“Surgery for vitiligo is underused in the United States,” the study authors wrote. “Given our findings, US dermatologists now have an additional option for the treatment of this disease.”

Disclosure: See the study for a full list of revelant disclosures.