The first transepidermal transplantation of non-cultured epidermal suspension using a dermarolling system in vitiligo: A sequential histological and clinical study

Summary

The current methods for melanocyte delivery to depigmented skin are invasive and often require sophisticated approaches. Here we describe a promising simple and minimally invasive technique based on the dermarolling system. The technique involves preparation of a keratinocyte/melanocyte suspension prepared by trypsinization from a non-lesioned part of a patient's scalp skin and transepidermal delivery using a dermaroller equipped with 0.2 mm needles. Dermarolling leads to epidermal microinjuries without, however, causing pain or inflammation. The technique was applied to facial depigmented areas of five patients with stable vitiligo that were resistant to conventional UV/tacrolimus treatment. The efficacy of cell delivery was analyzed histologically on punch biopsies, and repigmentation was evaluated photographically and by clinical assessment. We found that the transplanted keratinocytes rapidly degenerated, leading to keratinization, but melanocytes survived and integrated appropriately into the basal layer of the epidermis, leading to excellent repigmentation after six months in three cases and mild repigmentation in two cases. Although based on a small number of patients, we anticipate this technique to become a valid addition to the arsenal of therapeutic approaches to repigmentation in depigmenting disorders.

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