Topical Tofacitinib for Patients with Lichen Planopilaris and/or Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

February 2024 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Li-Chi Chen, Chino Ogbutor, Kristen J. Kelley, Maryanne M. Senna

topical tofacitinib JAK-1/3 inhibitor lichen planopilaris frontal fibrosing alopecia cicatricial alopecia oral JAK inhibitors tofacitinib cream

Studysummary This source discusses that while oral JAK inhibitors are used for treating lichen planopilaris and frontal fibrosing alopecia, they carry significant risk of adverse events; two cases showed promising results using tofacitinib cream as a safer topical alternative. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

This study evaluated the use of topical tofacitinib 2% cream in 41 patients with lichen planopilaris (LPP) and/or frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) over a minimum of 3 months. The results showed a significant reduction in disease activity, with a 48% decrease in the Lichen Planopilaris Activity Index (LPPAI) scores. Improvement or stabilization of the frontotemporal hairline was observed in 92.1% of patients with FFA or FFA/LPP overlap. Adverse events were minimal, with scalp irritation in 4.9% and acne in 2.4% of patients. The study suggests that topical tofacitinib is a safe and effective alternative for patients where systemic therapy is not suitable, although further controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.

View this study on jaad.org →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

research Tofacitinib for the Treatment of Lichen Planopilaris: A Case Series

79 citations , September 2018 in “Dermatologic therapy”

This study found that treatment with oral tofacitinib, alone or with other therapies, was associated with clinical improvement in most patients with recalcitrant lichen planopilaris.