Cell harvesting device delivers repigmentation in stable vitiligo lesions

A cell harvesting device that prepares autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) offers a simple yet accessible technique for melanocyte transplantation in patients with vitiligo, a study has shown.

“ASCS is highly effective for repigmentation of stable vitiligo lesions, with positive patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and improvement in quality of life (QoL),” the researchers said.

A total of 107 patients were included in this large, prospective, multicentre study that sought to confirm early and favourable repigmentation response and evaluate health-related QoL changes following ASCS treatment of stable vitiligo. Laser ablation was performed in vitiligo lesions, as well as ASCS treatment, followed by at-home phototherapy.

All Fitzpatrick skin types and major vitiligo subtypes were represented in this study. By week 4, the researchers observed excellent repigmentation response (≥80 percent) among participants. [J Am Acad Dermatol 2025;93:378-386]

Furthermore, all lesions showed improvement by week 24. Of these, 67 percent achieved >50-percent repigmentation, 42 percent achieved ≥80-percent repigmentation, and 8 percent achieved complete repigmentation. Moreover, 27.7 percent of lesions attained Vitiligo Noticeability Scale (VNS) response.

Most patients (72.3 percent) expressed satisfaction with their treatment. Significant improvements were also observed from baseline in Vitiligo Quality-of-Life Instrument (p<0.05) at week 24.

“This study confirms ASCS as highly effective and safe for the repigmentation of stable vitiligo lesions,” the researchers said. “High patient satisfaction and positive PROs highlight its meaningful impact on the psychological well-being of vitiligo patients, with potential for overall QoL improvement.”

Treatment success

Three factors supported the effectiveness of ASCS treatment: positive patient feedback (67.3 percent stated treatment response was met or exceeded expectations), patient satisfaction (72.3 percent were somewhat to very satisfied), and VNS response (27.7 percent rated their vitiligo lesions a lot less or no longer noticeable).

In the validation study, VNS scores could worsen initially because of temporary hyperpigmentation, which affects colour matching. Thus, VNS scores are best assessed when hyperpigmentation has been resolved. [Br J Dermatol 2016;174:386-394]

“In this study, patients received ongoing phototherapy and continued concomitant treatments post-ASCS treatment,” the researchers said. “Therefore, week-24 VNS assessments were not conducted in a timeframe that allowed for hyperpigmentation to resolve, suggesting VNS response rates may improve with a longer evaluation period.”

Mental health

Few patients in the current study reported receiving treatment for depression or anxiety at baseline. However, there were reductions seen in mental health resource and treatment utilization at week 24.

“Future studies should assess QoL outcomes later post-treatment and include a larger sample with a higher baseline prevalence of depression and mental health resource use to better evaluate changes,” according to the researchers.

Additionally, repigmentation response in certain patients can be improved by combination therapy, which addresses different pathogeneses. [J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2023;37:2173-2184]

“In the present study, almost half of patients reported concomitant vitiligo therapy, including 37.4 percent who reported topical Janus kinase inhibitor use, 6.5 percent topical steroid use, and 6.5 percent topical calcineurin inhibitor use,” the researchers said. “Of those patients, 61.7 percent achieved >50-percent repigmentation at week 24.”

This study was limited by the absence of a control group.