Efficacy of gain-switched 311nm laser in treatment of vitiligo demonstrated in study

A study published in JAMA Dermatology has demonstrated the efficacy of a gain-switched 311nm titanium:sapphire laser in the treatment of vitiligo. 

The open-label trial enrolled 14 patients with non-segmental vitiligo to treat lesions twice a week with the device. 

The treatment dose started at 300mJ/cm2 and was increased by 50mJ/cm2 in each subsequent session, until post-treatment erythema occurred. The dose was then kept constant at the minimal erythermal dose. Topical tacrolimus ointment (0.1%) was applied concurrently to all lesions throughout the treatment period and sun protection was recommended. 

The average treatment duration was 3.7 months and the median cumulative dose was 11,850mJ/cm2. 

79% of patients (11 patients) show excellent to complete re-pgimetation after an average of 21 treatments over the time period. Moderate re-pigmentation was reported for the remaining three patients.

The researchers concluded that the gain-switched 311nm titanium:sapphire laser was a “promising option” for treating vitiligo.