Efficacy and Safety of JAK Inhibitors in Treating Lichen Planopilaris or Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia
February 2025
in “
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
”
TLDR JAK inhibitors may effectively treat lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia with minimal side effects.
This study systematically reviewed the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) in treating lichen planopilaris (LPP) and frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), involving 6 studies with 78 patients. The positive response rates to JAKi ranged from 42% to 100%, comparable to conventional treatments like corticosteroids and cyclosporine A. JAKi, particularly oral tofacitinib, showed promise in reducing LPP activity index scores, suggesting it as a potential alternative for refractory LPP/FFA patients. However, the study's conclusions are limited by small sample sizes and low-quality evidence, necessitating further high-quality research. Adverse effects were minimal, with no severe events reported, but regular monitoring for infections and organ function is advised.