An expert discusses how the future of vitiligo treatment includes multiple oral JAK inhibitors in phase 3 trials for extensive disease, procedural therapies such as melanocyte grafting for resistant patches, and an overall promising outlook with increased disease awareness, broader therapeutic options, and improved patient outcomes expected over the next 5 years.
An expert discusses how data from the pivotal phase 3 trials of topical ruxolitinib showed 30% of patients achieved 75% improvement in facial vitiligo at 24 weeks, with real-world experience confirming these results and demonstrating that longer treatment periods and combination with phototherapy can further enhance repigmentation outcomes
An expert discusses how JAK inhibitors represent targeted therapy that specifically blocks the interferon gamma–driven JAK-STAT pathway responsible for autoimmune melanocyte destruction in vitiligo, offering greater efficacy and safety compared with broad immunosuppressive treatments such as corticosteroids.
An expert discusses how phototherapy requires 2 to 3 sessions per week in specialized light booths or home units, is particularly useful for vitiligo covering more than 10% body surface area, and can be targeted to specific areas using 308-nm lasers for smaller lesions.
An expert discusses how long-term corticosteroid use carries risks of skin atrophy, systemic effects such as adrenal suppression, and area-specific concerns such as increased intraocular pressure near the eyes. Additionally, topical calcineurin inhibitors have black box warnings for potential infections and malignancies despite their established safety profile.
An expert discusses how vitiligo treatment historically relied on off-label therapies such as topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy, but now includes the first FDA-approved agent, topical ruxolitinib 1.5% cream, used alone or in combination with other treatments.
