A review of monochromatic excimer light in vitiligo

Phototherapy is a mainstay of vitiligo treatment and has varying rates of efficacy. Narrowband ultraviolet (UV) B (NB‐UVB) and UVA have been used for decades, but it is only recently that monochromatic excimer light (MEL) was developed for use in dermatology and adapted for the treatment of vitiligo. The specific 308‐nm radiation wavelength is delivered in a targeted form by the xenon‐chloride excimer laser and is also available in an incoherent form that is commonly referred to as the excimer lamp. MEL administered by both laser and lamp has shown efficacy superior to NB‐UVB for the treatment of vitiligo and induces more changes at the cellular level than conventional UVB modalities. The excimer laser is effective in adults and children with vitiligo in all skin types as monotherapy or in combination with other established vitiligo therapeutics. Treatment regimens studied included excimer laser two to three times weekly for up to 36 weeks. Patients commonly achieved > 75% repigmentation. The laser has also been used in combination with topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors and vitamin D analogues, as well as surgery, thus further expanding treatment options for patients with vitiligo. The excimer lamp has been used for treatments one to three times a week for up to 24 weeks and was found to be equal to excimer laser in a head‐to‐head comparison. It has also been used in combination with topical corticosteroids and oral vitamin E. Both MEL modalities have a limited adverse side‐effect profile. Long‐term effects are yet to be determined; however, based on available data on UVB phototherapy as well as the properties of MEL devices, there is probably only a minimal increased malignancy risk.     

Comparison between 308-nm monochromatic excimer light and narrowband UVB phototherapy (311–313 nm) in the treatment of vitiligo – a multicentre controlled study

BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary disorder characterized by areas of depigmented skin resulting from loss of epidermal melanocytes. Recently, it has been shown that narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy may be more effective than psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA) photochemotherapy in treating vitiligo, and that 308-nm monochromatic excimer light (MEL) may present some advantages as compared to NB-UVB for the treatment of vitiligo. AIM The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of NB-UVB phototherapy and 308-nm MEL in vitiligo patients. METHODS: The study was done in a randomized, investigator-blinded and half-side comparison design. Twenty-one subjects with symmetrical vitiligo lesions were enrolled in this study. Vitiligo lesions on one body side were treated twice weekly for 6 months with 308-nm MEL, while NB-UVB phototherapy was used to treat lesions on the opposite side. RESULTS: At the end of the study six lesions (37.5%) treated with 308-nm MEL and only one lesion (6%) treated with NB-UVB achieved an excellent repigmentation (score 4) while four lesions (25%) treated with 308-nm MEL and five lesions (31%) treated with NB-UVB showed a good repigmentation (score 3). CONCLUSIONS: It appears that 308-nm MEL is more effective than NB-UVB in treating vitiligo lesions and it induces repigmentation more rapidly.     

Monochromatic excimer light 308 nm in monotherapy and combined with topical khellin 4% in the treatment of vitiligo: a controlled study

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder affecting 1–4% of the world's population. Conventional therapies include steroids, photosensitive topical agents, surgical treatments, and phototherapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of monochromatic excimer light 308 nm (MEL), both as a monotherapy and in combination with khellin 4% ointment in vitiligo. Forty-height patients (36 male and 12 female) affected with vitiligo were enrolled in this open prospective study. Patients were selected and divided into three groups: group I included 16 patients treated with MEL 308 nm once-weekly and oral vitamin E; group II included 16 patients treated with MEL 308 nm once-weekly combined with khellin 4% ointment (MEL-K) and oral vitamin E; group III (control group) included 16 patients treated only with oral vitamin E. Efficacy was assessed at the end of 12 weeks based on the percentage of repigmentation. Group I (MEL-group) showed a moderate repigmentation in 2/16 (12.5%) patients, good repigmentation in 10/16 (62.5%), and excellent repigmentation in 4/16 (25%) patients. Group II (MEL-K group) presented moderate repigmentation in 2/16 (12.5%) patients, good repigmentation in 5/16 (31.25%), and excellent repigmentation in 9/16 (56.25%). Group III (control group) showed a moderate repigmentation in 3/16 patients (18.75%), a good repigmentation in 1/16 (6.25%) patient, while 10/16 (62.5%) patients did not show signs of repigmentation. The clinical response achieved in group I and II was higher compared with group III (control group) without showing significant differences. MEL 308 nm, alone and/or combined with khellin 4% offered encouraging results and it may be considered a valid therapeutic option worthy of consideration in the treatment of vitiligo.     

单频准分子光治疗白癜风的临床研究

目的 研究观察单频准分子光308nm局部照射治疗白癜风的临床疗效,评估其安全性.方法 对77例不同临床类型的白癜风患者的201处皮损进行局部照射,每周1次,随访3-6个月.结果 经过准分子光局部照射平均18次,86.6%皮损有不同程度色素恢复,色素恢复随疗程延长而增加,照射24次总有效率为71.0%,显效率为51.6%.躯干、颈部和头面部疗效优于四肢及手足;泛发型和节段型白癜风疗效尤佳.主要不良反应为局部水疱和疼痛,患者能耐受.结论 准分子光局部照射治疗白癜风疗效显著,且不良反应少.     

Targeted broadband ultraviolet b phototherapy produces similar responses to targeted narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy for vitiligo: a randomized, double-blind study

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, with a 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser, and targeted UVB phototherapy have produced encouraging therapeutic results for vitiligo. However, very few studies employing broadband UVB exist. Moreover, there has been no direct comparison study between broadband UVB and NB-UVB for the treatment of vitiligo. The aims of this study were to compare the repigmenting efficacy of targeted broadband UVB phototherapy with that of NB-UVB in an equi-erythemogenic manner. Twenty identical vitiliginous lesions from 10 patients were randomly allocated to receive either targeted broadband UVB or targeted NB-UVB phototherapy. UV fluences were started at 50% of the minimal erythema dose detected within the vitiliginous patches, then increased gradually, in the same manner, to ensure equi-erythemogenic comparison. Treatments were carried out twice weekly for 12 weeks. The results show that grade 1, i.e. 1-25% repigmentation, to grade 2, 26-50% repigmentation, occurred in 6 of 10 subjects. Responses in terms of repigmentation, de-pigmentation, or lack thereof, were similar between lesions receiving broadband and NB-UVB phototherapy. Onset of repigmentation occurred as early as 4 weeks of treatment in most subjects. Treatments were well tolerated, with only minimal erythema and hyperpigmentation. LIMITATIONS: The study was carried out in a small number of patients with skin types III, IV and V. The irradiation device was a targeted UVB device and thus the results may not be applicable to other light sources, such as the excimer laser or total-body irradiation cabinets. In conclusion, targeted broadband UVB produces similar clinical responses to targeted NB-UVB in the treatment of the non-segmental type of vitiligo.     

A randomized comparison of excimer laser versus narrow‐band ultraviolet B phototherapy after punch grafting in stable vitiligo patients

Background Ultraviolet radiation following punch grafting may stimulate the migration of melanocytes from the grafts into the vitiliginous skin, thereby increasing the rate of repigmentation. We compared the effects of the 308‐nm xenon chloride excimer laser (EL) vs. narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) after punch grafting in patients with vitiligo. Objectives The aims of this study were to evaluate (i) repigmentation (%); (ii) treatment satisfaction; and (iii) patient preferences for EL vs. NB‐UVB therapy after punch grafting in vitiligo. Methods Fourteen patients were treated with the punch‐grafting technique on two symmetrical vitiligo patches. Starting 1 week after the punch grafting, the vitiligo patches were treated twice a week during 3 months, with EL on one side and with NB‐UVB on the other side. Repigmentation (%) was measured by a digital image analysis system. Patients’ satisfaction and preference for treatment were also assessed. Results Whereas both treatment modalities induced repigmentation, no statistically significant difference was found in grade of repigmentation after 3 months. With EL, 71.4% lower cumulative dose was reached. Patients were significantly more satisfied with NB‐UVB and preferred it over EL. Conclusions The choice between EL and NB‐UVB cannot solely be based on repigmentation, but rather on other factors, such as patients’ preferences. However, given the lower UV dose of EL, we recommend its use in vulnerable populations, such as in small children and patients with sun‐damaged skin with a history of long‐term UVB treatment.     

Combination of 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser and topical calcipotriol in vitiligo

BACKGROUND: A large variety of therapeutic agents are being used for the treatment of vitiligo, but treatment remains a challenge. Recently, monochromatic phototherapies such as 311-nm narrowband ultraviolet B therapy and 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser have been reported to be an effective and safe therapeutic option in children and adult patients with vitiligo. Single reports stipulate that the addition of topically applied calcipotriol to phototherapy increases its effectiveness. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present pilot study was to determine if the addition of topical calcipotriol increases the efficacy of the 308-nm xenon chloride excimer in the treatment of vitiligo. METHODS: Ten patients with vitiligo with essentially bilateral symmetrical lesions were enrolled in this prospective right/left comparative, single-blinded trial conducted over a 15-month period. All patients received 308-nm XeCl excimer laser therapy three times weekly. Calcipotriol ointment (Daivonex) was applied to lesions on one side of the body twice daily. RESULTS: After 24 treatments (8 weeks), nine patients were evaluated. Eight patients showed evidence of repigmentation on both body sides, with no significant difference between the body side treated with calcipotriol and excimer laser and the side treated with excimer laser alone. The mean repigmentation rate was 22.4% (1-37%). CONCLUSION: The addition of calcipotriol ointment to 308-nm xenon chloride excimer laser phototherapy does not significantly enhance its efficacy. Small additive effects must be investigated in a larger trial.     

The 308-nm excimer laser: a promising device for the treatment of childhood vitiligo

Background: Numerous modalities have been used to treat vitiligo in children. Up to now, phototherapy and topical corticosteroids are the most commonly used treatments for adult vitiligo but studies evaluating the efficacy of these treatments in the pediatric population remain insufficient. Objective: This study was a retrospective review to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 308‐nm excimer laser treatment in 30 childhood vitiligo patients. Methods: Thirty vitiligo patients with 40 vitiligo patches were evaluated after the cessation of 308‐nm excimer laser treatment. Results: Seventeen patients (56.7%) with 20 patches (50%) achieved an acceptable degree (>50%) of repigmentation at the end of the treatment, with five patches (12.5%) showing >75% of repigmentation. The treatment response showed anatomical preferences, favoring the face, neck and trunk. However, the treatment response did not correlate to the cumulative dose or duration of treatment. Side effects occurred in nine patients, but were transient and minimal. Conclusion: The results of this study shows that the 308‐nm excimer laser can be an effective and promising device for the treatment of various vitiligo types, other than generalized, in childhood.     

中波高能紫外线与308 nm准分子激光治疗白癜风的短期疗效比较

【摘要】 目的 比较中波高能紫外线和308 nm准分子激光治疗白癜风的短期疗效。 方法 中波高能紫外线组患者40例,每周照射2次;308 nm准分子激光组40例,每周1次。评估两组治疗8周后的皮损复色情况。 结果 经过8周的阶段治疗,中波高能紫外线组有83.6%皮损可出现不同程度的复色反应,达显效以上复色为42.1%;308 nm准分子激光组86.1%有皮损不同程度色素生成,达到显效以上为50%。对于面部白癜风皮损中波高能紫外线的疗效低于308 nm准分子激光（χ2 = 4.32,P < 0. 05）,在其余部位两组有效率差异无统计学意义。在皮损起始复色的累积剂量方面,两者差异无统计学意义（t = 0.89,P > 0.05）,在达到显效以上复色方面,高能中波紫外线的治疗次数和累积剂量明显多于308 nm准分子激光（P < 0. 01）。两者均适用于儿童患者及活动期皮损。 结论 中波高能紫外线或308 nm准分子激光治疗白癜风均可在短期内起效且安全,308 nm准分子激光疗效更明显。     

Preferential induction of endothelin‐1 in a human epidermal equivalent model by narrow‐band ultraviolet B light sources

Narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB; 310–315 nm) is commonly used to treat vitiligo, but the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect have not been understood completely. Here, we evaluated the effects of broadband UVB (BB‐UVB), NB‐UVB, 308 nm xenon chloride (XeCl) excimer laser, and 308 nm XeCl excimer light on the expression of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) in a cultured human epidermal tissue model. Our results provide a theoretical basis for the effectiveness of UVB irradiation, including excimer light and excimer laser, in the treatment of vitiligo.     

Treatment of localized vitiligo with targeted broadband UVB phototherapy: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Narrowband ultraviolet B (UVB) phototherapy and 308 nm excimer laser have produced encouraging therapeutic results for vitiligo. Repigmentation of various degrees was obtained in different studies. Materials and methods: Twenty-nine vitiliginous lesions from six patients were treated with targeted, broadband UV-B phototherapy. UV fluences were started at 50% of the minimal erythema dose, then increased gradually. Treatments were carried out twice weekly for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Some degree of repigmentation occurred in all subjects. Responses varied among the different anatomic locations, with acral lesions achieving the least improvement. Onset of repigmentation was as early as 3 weeks of treatment in some subjects. Treatments were well tolerated, with only minimal erythema and hyperpigmentation. LIMITATIONS: This study was carried out in a smaller number of patients with skin types III and IV. The irradiation device was a broadband UVB device, and thus the results may not be similar to those obtained from a more monochromatic system such as an excimer laser. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted broadband UVB is an efficacious and safe modality for the treatment of localized vitiligo.     

Treatment of vitiligo with the 308-nm excimer laser: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: Present vitiligo therapies require many months of treatment and often result in disappointing outcomes. Common therapeutic options include phototherapy with psoralens plus ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation and broadband or narrowband UVB radiation phototherapy. Some of these modalities require regular phototherapy sessions several times a week for up to a year to achieve a therapeutic response. Targeted phototherapy with single-wavelength laser light is a treatment alternative that may prove to be a time-efficient and effective therapeutic option for the management of vitiligo. METHODS: This intervention study was designed as a before and after trial with a single arm. Twenty-nine patches of vitiligo from 18 patients (6 males and 12 females) were treated at the start of the study. Vitiligo patches were treated by using a 308-nm xenon-chloride excimer laser. Lesions were treated 3 times a week for a maximum of 12 treatments. Treatment was withheld if sunburn was observed and held until resolution. All patients had untreated vitiligo patches that served as control sites. RESULTS: Twenty-three vitiligo patches from 12 patients received at least 6 treatments and resulted in some repigmentation in 57% of the treated patches. Eleven vitiligo patches from 6 patients received all 12 treatments and resulted in some repigmentation in 82% of the treated patches. Untreated control patches remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: This degree of repigmentation in a period of 2 to 4 weeks is much higher than that achieved with any other present vitiligo therapy. The xenon-chloride excimer laser may represent a new treatment modality for the management of stable vitiligo.     

Photo(chemo)therapy for vitiligo

Vitiligo is a common skin disease characterized by loss of normal melanin pigments in the skin and its pathogenesis is still unclear. Treatment modalities include psoralen plus ultraviolet A, narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB UVB) phototherapy, topical and systemic steroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, topical vitamin D analogues in monotherapy or in association with phototherapy, and surgical treatment. NB UVB (310-315 nm) radiation is now considered as the 'gold standard' for the treatment of diffuse vitiligo, and treatment with two recently introduced UVB sources that emit 308 nm wavelengths, the 308 nm xenon chloride (XeCl) excimer laser and the 308 nm XeCl excimer light, has also been reported to be effective and might be the treatment of choice for localized disease: this treatment modality has been defined as 'targeted phototherapy.'     

308-nm excimer laser for the treatment of localized vitiligo

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vitiligo is commonly treated with PUVA, and more recently, narrow-band UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy. Given the proximity of the wavelengths of NBUVB (311 nm) and the excimer laser (308 nm), we undertook a clinical trial to test the efficacy of this device. METHODS: Twice-weekly 308-nm UV-B radiation was given to selected vitiligo lesions for a maximum of 60 treatments. These lesions had been unsuccessfully treated previously with at least one other method of treatment. Initial doses were 100 mJ/cm2 with increments of 10-25%. Improvement was assessed on a visual scale via serial photographs. RESULTS: Subjects tolerated the treatment well. Improvement varied with body site. After 60 treatments, lesions on the hands and feet showed grade 2 improvement in 2/10 subjects and grade 1 in 8/10. For the axillae, there was grade 4 improvement in 1/3 subjects and grade 2 improvement in 2/3 by treatment 60. The face demonstrated the most rapid repigmentation with grade 4 repigmentation seen in 3/5 subjects by 40 treatments and grade 3 in 2/5 by 30 treatments. There were no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: The user-friendly 308-nm excimer laser allows targeted treatments of localized vitiligo.     

308 nm准分子激光治疗白癜风的现状

白癜风的治疗仍是皮肤科医生面临的一大难题。光疗作为有效、安全的治疗手段,在白癜风治疗中的应用正在逐步推广。308nm准分子激光治疗白癜风快速有效、不良反应少。联合其他治疗方法可提高紫外线抵抗区的疗效。为此,综述308nm准分子激光治疗白癜风的新进展,以供临床参考。     

Clinical study of repigmentation patterns with either narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) or 308 nm excimer laser treatment in Korean vitiligo patients

Background Various repigmentation patterns such as perifollicular, marginal, diffuse, and mixed configuration can occur in vitiligo. The aim of this study was to clinically assess the types of repigmentation patterns obtained with narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy or targeted phototherapy using a 308 nm excimer laser and to reveal whether the repigmentation patterns have any relationship to the location of lesions, patient’s age, duration of lesions, or speed of improvement. Methods This study enrolled 51 patients who had effective responses as compared with baseline when treated with NBUVB alone and 52 patients who had effective responses as compared with baseline when treated with excimer laser alone. We evaluated the repigmentation patterns when the responses to treatments appeared. Results The most frequent repigmentation pattern was the perifollicular type in both groups treated with NBUVB (42.2%) or excimer laser (51.3%), followed by marginal, diffuse, and combined, in that order. There was no significant difference in the repigmentation pattern according to the location of lesions, patient’s age, or duration of lesions. The marginal pattern was predominant in both NBUVB and excimer laser‐treated groups when excellent responses (more than 75% repigmentation achieved at 12 weeks) appeared. Conclusions The repigmentation patterns according to location, age, duration of lesions, and speed of response showed similarities in both the NBUVB and excimer laser‐treated groups.     

The effect of 308nm excimer laser on segmental vitiligo: a retrospective study of 80 patients with segmental vitiligo

Background: Segmental vitiligo (SV), which frequently accompanies poliosis, indicating a poor prognosis that is likely resistant to treatments. Objectives: In this study, we performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the treatment response to 308 nm excimer laser in SV patients. Methods: A retrospective chart and photographic review was performed on 80 SV patients who had been treated with 308 nm excimer laser for >3 months. Results: Eighty patients with SV (mean age: 24.0 years ± 15.3, males: 50%) were included in this study. The mean grade of repigmentation was 2.3 after 20.6 months of mean treatment duration; 23.8% of 80 patients showed grade 4, 20% showed grade 3, and 56.2% showed grade 1–2 repigmentation. However, none of them achieved complete repigmentation with excimer laser. The degree of repigmentation was positively correlated with treatment duration (r=0.315, P=0.004) and cumulative ultraviolet (UV) dosage (r=0.366, P=0.001), whereas it was negatively correlated with disease duration (r=?0.265, P=0.017). Conclusion: This study suggests that SV has a better repigmentation response when excimer laser is used at earlier stages of the disease and long‐term use and high cumulative UV energy of the excimer laser elicit better responses. Additional treatments like surgical procedures in addition to excimer laser should be considered for complete repigmentation.     

Treatment of vitiligo with the 308 nm excimer laser

Several therapeutic modalities have been proposed for the treatment of vitiligo either to achive repigmentation in the lesions or to stabilize the disease. Narrow-band UVB therapy has been shown to be effective and safe for use in the management of vitiligo; its wavelength is not so different from 308 nm XeCl excimer laser radiation. We present an open and uncontrolled pilot study of 24 patients (12 men, 12 women) in whom vitiligous patches were treated twice a week, for 9 months with 308 nm XeCl laser radiation. Seven of the 24 patients showed greater than 75% repigmentation, six patients showed repigmentation of between 25 and 75% and six patients showed less than 25% repigmentation. In five patients no signs of repigmentation were noted. The therapeutic benefit was stable during the 12-month follow-up period. Although these results are promising, treatment has so far been limited to small numbers of patients and a short follow-up period. Other prospective studies are needed to assess the efficacy of this treatment modality.     

The efficacy of excimer laser (308 nm) for vitiligo at different body sites

BACKGROUND: The treatment with XeCl-excimer laser generated 308-nm UVB radiation has shown promising results in patients with vitiligo. OBJECTIVE: In this controlled, prospective trial we studied the primary efficacy (start and grade of repigmentation) and patient's satisfaction of XeCl-excimer laser for treatment of vitiligo patches at different body sites and re-evaluated the achieved repigmentation 12 months after the end of therapy. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with generalized or localized vitiligo with a total of 85 lesions at different body sites were enrolled in this study. Vitiligo patches were treated with 308-nm XeCl-excimer laser 3 times a week for 6 to 10 weeks. The overall repigmentation grade of each treated lesion was evaluated once a week on a 5 point scale rating from 0 (no repigmentation), 1 (1-5%), 2 (6-25%), 3 (26-50%), 4 (51-75%), to 5 (76-100%). RESULTS: Twenty-four patients completed the study. Within 6 to 10 weeks of treatment 67% of the patients (16/24) developed follicular repigmentation of at least one of their vitiligo lesions. Lesion repigmentation started after a mean of 13 treatments in lesions located on the face, trunk, arm, and/or leg (high-responder location), and after a mean of 22 treatments in lesions located on the elbow, wrist, dorsum of the hand, knee, and/or dorsum of the foot (low-responder location). Untreated control lesions and lesions located on the fingers did not achieve any repigmentation. After 10 weeks of treatment repigmentation of more than 75% was found in 25% (7/28) of lesions of the high-responder location group versus 2% (1/43) of lesions of the low-responder location group. In most cases, laser-induced repigmentation was persistent, as determined 12 months after the end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: 308-nm excimer laser is an effective modality for the treatment of vitiligo. However, similar to other non-surgical treatment modalities, the therapeutic effect is mainly dependent on the location of vitiligo lesions.     

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

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.