The effect of latanoprost on vitiligo: a preliminary comparative study

Abstract

Latanoprost (LT), a prostaglandin F 2alpha (PGF2a ) analogue used in the treatment of glaucoma, was found to induce skin pigmentation in guinea pigs in addition to its known periocular and iridal pigmentation side effects. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of topical LT in the induction of skin repigmentation in patients with vitiligo and to compare its potency with narrow band ultraviolet (UV) B (NB-UVB). The result of their combination was also assessed. This study involved 22 patients with bilateral and symmetrical vitiligo lesions, stable for the last three months, divided into three groups: group I, to evaluate LT vs. placebo; group II, to evaluate LT vs. NB-UVB; and group III, to evaluate the effect of their combination. The response to treatment was evaluated by taking photographic records of the treated lesions with follow-up photography every two weeks. After three months, assessment of the degree and extent of repigmentation was performed. Follow-up assessment was done six months after termination of the trial for the persistence of pigmentation, recurrence, or development of any side effects. LT was found to be better than placebo and comparable with the NB-UVB in inducing skin repigmentation. This effect was enhanced by the addition of NB-UVB. LT could be a promising treatment for vitiligo, especially the periocular variant. Its effect on skin repigmentation could be enhanced by NB-UVB exposure.

Combined therapy for resistant vitiligo lesions: NB-UVB, microneedling, and topical latanoprost, showed no enhanced efficacy compared to topical latanoprost and NB-UVB

“…NB‐UVB phototherapy became a golden standard for vitiligo treatment with repigmentation rates from 41.6% to 100% when used as monotherapy , although it is inefficient for lesions located in resistant to treatment locations such as hands and bony prominents, even when combined with topical agents such as steroids . Topical latanoprost showed good repigmentation rates, up to 100%, and its effect was additionally enhanced when combined with NB‐UVB . In our study, 3 of 90 treated lesions achieved repigmentation greater than 50%, which is comparable to the reported efficiency of combination of NB‐UVB and steroids .…”

“…Our study was designed to evaluate efficiency of combination of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) and topical latanoprost on repigmentation of lesions in hard‐to‐repigment locations as well as additional benefits of microneedling prior to topical application of latanoprost. The combination of the above treatment modalities was selected due to several reasons: Although data on prostaglandin use in vitiligo treatment are modest, therapeutic results are encouraging , and latanoprost combined with NB‐UVB is superior over either one ; Needling is used for treating localized vitiligo alone or in combination with NB‐UVB with quite satisfying therapeutic results . Up to now, nobody investigated microneedling with Dermaroller ® , an improved device for needling with controlled needle penetration depth, as a vitiligo therapeutic modality ; NB‐UVB is considered as a “golden standard” in vitiligo treatment with high repigmentation rate, which is further increased when combined with other therapeutic options . …”

“…1. Although data on prostaglandin use in vitiligo treatment are modest, therapeutic results are encouraging (2)(3)(4), and latanoprost combined with NB-UVB is superior over either one (4); 2. Needling is used for treating localized vitiligo alone or in combination with NB-UVB with quite satisfying therapeutic results (5).…”

A pilot comparative study of topical latanoprost and tacrolimus in combination with narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy and microneedling for the treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo

“…Along with that, several experimental topical agents were reported, among which are prostaglandins (prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2α analogue latanoprost) investigated in several small‐size pilot studies . Similarly to many other examples , combination of latanoprost with narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) phototherapy showed superior effect over either of the monotherapy , thus pointing on beneficial effect of combination NB‐UVB with topical prostaglandins. Notably, while several pilot evaluations suggest beneficial effects of topical prostaglandins on repigmentation in vitiligo, their efficiency compared with conventional topical drugs used in vitiligo treatment has not been addressed before.…”

“…Among them, there are a few conventional topical treatments, which include steroids and calcineurin inhibitors. Along with that, several experimental topical agents were reported, among which are prostaglandins (prostaglandin E2 and prostaglandin F2a analogue latanoprost) investigated in several small-size pilot studies (1)(2)(3). Similarly to many other examples (4,5), combination of latanoprost with narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy showed superior effect over either of the monotherapy (3), thus pointing on Ctrl.…”