Topical tacalcitol and 308-nm monochromatic excimer light: a synergistic combination for the treatment of vitiligo.

Abstract

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE:

To study and compare the efficacy of combined 308-nm monochromatic excimer light (MEL) therapy with tacalcitol vs. that of MEL 308-nm therapy alone in treatment of vitiligo.

METHODS:

Thirty-eight patients with vitiligo were enrolled in a single-blind, within patient controlled clinical trial. Symmetrical or nearby lesions were randomly applied with either topical tacalcitol cream or vehicle. Each lesion was treated weekly with the 308-nm MEL, for a total of 12 sessions. Patients were examined at monthly intervals. The mean number of sessions and the cumulative dosage for initial repigmentation were calculated.

RESULT:

Thirty-five patients were evaluated. Treatment with tacalcitol and MEL resulted in higher percentages for excellent repigmentation (25.7%) compared with vehicle and MEL (5.7%) (P<0.05). Percentages for total response were 71.4% and 60%, respectively (P>0.05). The mean+/-SEM cumulative dose and number of excimer light exposures for initial repigmentation were, respectively, 3.93+/-0.59 J/cm2 and 4.52+/-0.49 at the tacalcitol side, and, respectively, 4.99+/-0.68 J/cm2 and 5.3+/-0.52 at the vehicle side (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Our results have shown that concurrent topical tacalcitol potentiates the efficacy of the 308-nm MEL in the treatment of vitiligo, and that this combination achieves earlier pigmentation with a lower total dosage.

• Authors: Tang Lu-yan, Fu Wen-wen, Xiang Lei-hong, Jin Yi, Zheng Zhi-zhong
• Journal: Photodermatology, photoimmunology & photomedicine (Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed) Vol. 22 Issue 6 Pg. 310-4 (Dec 2006) ISSN: 0905-4383 [Print] England
• PMID: 17100739 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Dihydroxycholecalciferols
• 1 alpha,24-dihydroxyvitamin D3

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Child
• Dermatologic Agents (administration & dosage)
• Dihydroxycholecalciferols (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Low-Level Light Therapy
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Photochemotherapy
• Radiation Dosage
• Severity of Illness Index
• Skin Pigmentation (drug effects, radiation effects)
• Treatment Outcome
• Ultraviolet Therapy
• Vitiligo (drug therapy, pathology, radiotherapy)