Researchers have found that transplantation of melanocytes in conjunction with dermabrasion is effective for treating vitiligo. This new treatment technique can be considered a viable option that healthcare providers can recommend to their patients with vitiligo.
Vitiligo is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that causes depigmented patches on the skin. These patches are caused by the loss of melanocytes in the epidermis. In some cases, surgery has been recommended as a treatment for vitiligo that is localized or unresponsive to other treatments. The main goal of surgery has been to move active melanocytes from healthy skin to an affected area to restore melanin production.
Dermatologists are interested in a new surgical treatment for vitiligo involving transplantation of epidermal cultured melanocytes or a melanocyte–keratinocyte cell suspension. In a recent study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 15 volunteer patients aged 18 to 45 years received transplantations of autologous melanocyte–keratinocyte cell suspensions following dermabrasion of the treatment sites.
After 1, 2, and 6 months, the color difference between the lesion and normal skin was significantly decreased. Also, the melanin index was significantly higher six months after cell transplantation than before.
The study found that factors such as how the cells are separated, how they are transplanted, and where the patches are placed all affect how well this method works. Areas in the neck and face have been reported to respond particularly well.
Autologous melanocyte–keratinocyte suspension transplantation is advantageous in that it requires only a very small amount of healthy skin. It is also an economical procedure and has produced positive outcomes and received high patient satisfaction. The procedure should be carried out in a hospital or healthcare center with an appropriate laboratory environment where the cell suspension can be made and delivered for use in the patient.
Source:
Nilforoushzadeh, M. A., Farshi, S., Nouri, M., Alavi, S., Tork, B. B., Jaffary, F., & Zare, S. (2022). Transplantation of Autologous Epidermal Melanocyte – Keratinocyte Cells Suspension for Cell Therapy of Vitiligo: A Clinical Evaluation and Biometric Assessment. J Cosmet Dermatol. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15423
