An Update on Vitiligo Target Therapy: A Semi-Structured Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: There is growing evidence to suggest a significant role for the adaptive immune system in disease progression and relapse. Therapies targeted the inflammatory responses of epidermal and immune system cells have been demonstrated effect in the treatment of vitiligo. However, more comparative studies are needed to inform the treatment decision making process. Purpose: To discuss the new target therapies modalities which are currently being trialled or recently licenced for the treatment of vitiligo. Method: A semi structured, rapid systematic review of the literature, where the findings from 11 studies was narratively discussed. Findings: The reviewed medications (ruxolitinib, baritininb, tofacitinib, ritlecitinib, afamelanotide, crisaborole and apremilast) all showed reduction in the percentage of depigmented body surface area and were well tolerated. However, no head-to-head studies were identified to compare the medications to each other or to other treatment modalities used in the treatment of vitiligo, to determine superiority.