Vitiligo and Stem Cells: Narrowband UVB Phototherapy in Nonsegmental Vitiligo

Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy is currently seen as the phototherapy of choice for nonsegmental vitiligo patients. Learn about Clinuvel's vitiligo program with SCENESSE® (afamelanotide): http://www.clinuvel.com/en/vitiligo

Vitiligo is an acquired depigmentation disorder that is characterised by a chronic and progressive loss of functioning skin and/or hair follicle melanocytes. Melanocytes are found in the epidermal layer of our skin and produce melanin, the pigment that gives colour to our skin and hair. The loss of epidermal melanocytes in vitiligo leads to a loss of melanin pigment which leaves the affected area white.

The most common subtype of vitiligo, nonsegmental vitiligo, accounts for 85 to 90 percent of cases. It is believed to be caused by the immune system attacking and destroying melanocytes causing a loss of pigment and leading to the loss of colour.

NB-UVB uses specific wavelengths to activate melanin in vitiliginous lesions of the skin. This therapy is known to effectively suppress the local immune response and accelerate the maturity of melanocytes in the area around hair follicles, which act as melanocyte reservoirs, leading to repigmentation of the skin.

Although NB-UVB is one of the leading therapies for nonsegmental vitiligo, the drawbacks are numerous. Chronic effects of NB-UVB may include skin aging and photo-carcinogenesis, which may lead to skin cancer; although these long term effects are yet to be fully investigated. Treatment is required three times a week for up to 18 months and relapse is common.

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Image references:
Some clinical images provided courtesy of Pearl E. Grimes, M.D.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amagill/243303450/

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[robert80taylor]

“I feel I am completely cured” says Ms. Gianopoulos, “my symptoms have disappeared and I have a recovery of many functions, notably my balance and my muscle strength is all coming (back). Even after six months, I feel like there are good changes happening almost every day. Before, my biggest fear was that the changes wouldn’t (hold). I don’t even worry about having a relapse anymore”. Log on to ccsviclinic. ca for more information.

[robert80taylor]

Dr.Avneesh Gupte, the Neurosurgeon at Noble Hospital performing the procedure has been encouraged by results in Cerebral Palsy patients as well. “We are fortunate to be able to offer the treatment because not every hospital is able to perform these types of transplants.You must have the specialized medical equipment and specially trained doctors and nurses”. Log on to ccsviclinic.ca for more information.

[robert80taylor]

Dr. Hemangi of Noble continues: “These are early days and certainly all evidence that the combination of liberation and stem cell therapies working together at this point is anecdotal. However I am not aware of other medical facilities in the world that offer the synthesis of both to MS patients on an approved basis and it is indeed a rare opportunity for MS patients to take advantage of a treatment that is quite possibly unique in the world”. Log on to ccsviclinic. ca for more information.