VITILIGO IN 2026: THERAPEUTIC ESCALATION AND THE ROLE OF JANUS KINASE INHIBITORS
Keywords:
Vitiligo, Janus Kinase Inhibitors, Phototherapy, Quality of Life, Drug TherapyAbstract
DOI: https://doi.org/10.46296/yc.v10i18.0870
Abstract
Nonsegmental vitiligo has become recognized as a visible, chronic autoimmune disease with substantial psychosocial burden. This critical review analyzed contemporary therapeutic escalation, emphasizing Janus kinase inhibitors. Recent biomedical literature was reviewed, prioritizing clinical trials, systematic reviews, consensus statements and regulatory documents. Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy and conventional topical agents remained core interventions, but topical ruxolitinib provided the first approved option specifically aimed at repigmentation in nonsegmental disease. Oral inhibitors showed efficacy signals in active or extensive disease, although systemic safety and off-label use require rigorous patient selection. Combination with phototherapy was biologically plausible and promising, but comparative protocols remain insufficient. In Latin America, cost, access and adherence strongly influence applicability. A stepwise algorithm is proposed according to extent, activity, location and individual risk.
Keywords: Vitiligo, Janus Kinase Inhibitors, Phototherapy, Quality of Life, Drug Therapy.
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