A meta-analysis of therapeutic trials of topical ruxolitinib cream for the treatment of vitiligo: therapeutic efficacy, safety, and implications for therapeutic practice

• Published in: Archives of dermatological research 2024-08, Vol.316 (8), p.518, Article 518
• Main Authors: Hussein, Abbas F. Abdul, Shams, Ahmed S., Hosny, Nora, Elrosasy, Amr, Kobtan, Marwan, Shafik, Yasmin Ahmed, Alnatsheh, Zeinab Raed, Zeid, Mohamed Abo, Qarma, Mugahed, Ibrahim, Yathrib K., Al-Sultany, Hussein Abbas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adverse events; Autoimmune diseases; Clinical trials; Dermatology; Humans; Inhibitor drugs; Janus kinase; Janus kinase 2; Janus Kinase Inhibitors - administration & dosage; Janus Kinase Inhibitors - adverse effects; Janus Kinase Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Melanocytes; Meta-analysis; Nitriles; Pyrazoles - administration & dosage; Pyrazoles - adverse effects; Pyrazoles - therapeutic use; Pyrimidines - administration & dosage; Pyrimidines - therapeutic use; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Review; Side effects; Signal transduction; Skin Cream - administration & dosage; Statistical analysis; Topical medication; Treatment Outcome; Vitiligo; Vitiligo - drug therapy
• ISSN: 1432-069X; 0340-3696; 1432-069X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03267-8

Vitiligo, an autoimmune condition characterized by depigmented skin patches due to the loss of functional melanocytes, has been linked to dysregulation in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, particularly in IFN-g signaling. The use of JAK inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib cream, a JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor, presents a promising approach for vitiligo treatment. This study aims to systematically assess the effectiveness and safety of ruxolitinib cream in patients with vitiligo. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib cream for the treatment of vitiligo. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data selection, screening, extraction, and risk of bias assessment were meticulously performed. Statistical analysis was conducted using Review Manager Software, version 5.4, with significant heterogeneity addressed through appropriate methods. Our meta-analysis included 3 studies with 830 vitiligo patients. Significant improvements were observed in F-VASI, T-VASI, F-BSA, and T-BSA scores, with greater efficacy at 24 weeks compared to 12 weeks [MD –24.17, 95% CI (–31.78 to –16.56), P