Autologous cell harvesting device provides repigmentation and improves quality-of-life for patients with stable vitiligo lesions in a large and diverse patient population.

Summary

In 107 patients with stable vitiligo, laser ablation plus point‑of‑care ASCS followed by home phototherapy yielded rapid improvements: by week 24, 67% of lesions achieved >50% repigmentation, 42% achieved ≥80%, and 8% were complete. Patient‑reported outcomes improved, and 72.3% reported satisfaction, across all Fitzpatrick skin types and vitiligo subtypes.

Key Findings

• By week 24, 67% of lesions achieved >50% repigmentation, 42% achieved ≥80%, and 8% achieved complete repigmentation.
• Early response was observed as soon as week 4 in many lesions.
• Vitiligo Quality-of-Life improved significantly, and 72.3% of patients reported satisfaction.
• All Fitzpatrick skin types and major vitiligo subtypes benefited.

Clinical Implications

ASCS with laser ablation is an effective option for stable vitiligo, potentially reducing procedural complexity and time. Candidate selection (stable lesions), combination with phototherapy, and early follow‑up can optimize outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Limitations

• No control group; effects of concomitant phototherapy cannot be isolated
• Follow-up limited to 24 weeks; durability and relapse beyond this period are unknown

Future Directions

Randomized controlled trials comparing ASCS to standard care and to other transplantation techniques, with longer follow‑up and stratification by lesion characteristics.