Melanocyte transplantation to skin prepared by controlled PUVA-induced sunburn-like blistering for vitiligo treatment – A pilot clinical trial

Vitiligo is a common acquired disease of pigment loss. In lesions recalcitrant to non-invasive treatment, transplantation of cultured autologous melanocytes is an emerging choice. Conventionally, the recipient site is often prepared by laser-mediated or mechanical dermabrasion. Such preparation procedures have disadvantages including prolonged transplantation duration, long period for reepithelialization and potential scarring. We propose a method of preparing recipient sites by psoralen and controlled ultraviolet A (PUVA)-induced blistering followed by transplanting suspended melanocytes. We introduced this method in 10 patients with segmental vitiligo on their recipient site 3 to 5 days before transplantation and blistering developed in 2 to 3 days afterwards. On the day of transplantation, the blister roof could be peeled off easily without bleeding and the recipient site preparation could be completed in 20 min. The recipient site became reepithelialized within 1 week. Progressive repigmentation was observed for up to 6 months, with an average of 65.06% repigmentation in the recipient site without scarring at the end of follow-up. Hence, preparation of the recipient site by controlled PUVA-induced sunburn-like blistering can potentially facilitate melanocyte transplantation and prevent scarring.