A Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of Different Modalities of Narrow-Band Ultraviolet B Therapy on the Outcome of Cultured Autologous Melanocytes Transplantation in Treating Vitiligo

Background Vitiligo is an acquired skin disorder with great social impact. It can be successfully treated using cultured autologous melanocytes transplantation. Objective To evaluate the effect of different modalities of narrow-band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) therapy on the outcome of cultured autologous melanocyte transplantation in treating vitiligo. Methods Patients undergoing cultured autologous melanocyte transplantation were randomly assigned to four different study groups. Group 1 underwent 20 sessions of NB-UVB treatment before transplantation; Group 2 underwent 30 sessions of NB-UVB treatment after transplantation; Group 3 underwent 20 sessions of NB-UVB treatment before transplantation and 30 sessions after transplantation; Group 4 underwent only transplantation. Results Four hundred thirty-seven patients were enrolled. Group 3 responded best, more than 90% repigmentation was achieved in 81.3% of patients, and 94.8% patients experienced 50% or greater repigmentation. Statistical analysis showed that there was a highly significant difference between the four groups (chi(2)=35.56, p<.001). Homogeneous skin color was obtained on the repigmentation areas, and no scarring or other serious side effects were observed. Conclusions Cultured autologous melanocyte transplantation is an effective treatment for stable vitiligo. Combination of NB-UVB therapy with melanocyte transplantation can accelerate repigmentation of transplanted vitiliginous areas, especially if NB-UVB is given before and after transplantation.