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The role of Janus kinase inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata: A systematic review
Author(s) -
Oliveira Ana B.,
Alpalhão Miguel,
Filipe Paulo,
MaiaSilva João
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
dermatologic therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.595
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1529-8019
pISSN - 1396-0296
DOI - 10.1111/dth.13053
Subject(s) - alopecia areata , medicine , janus kinase , dermatology , janus kinase inhibitor , tofacitinib , medline , pharmacology , biochemistry , rheumatoid arthritis , chemistry , cytokine
Alopecia areata (AA) is a non‐scarring alopecia, which often carries a major impact on patients' quality of life. Currently there is no single approved treatment that effectively induces permanent remission. Recently, the JAK–STAT signaling pathway has emerged as a possible therapeutic target leading to increased interest in the use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors (JAKis) in the treatment of this pathology. This review of the literature summarizes information on patients with AA who underwent treatment with JAKis and discusses the current evidence on the efficacy and safety of its use. A literature search was conducted in different databases to identify clinical trials and case reports published in January 2019. Several clinical studies have shown very promising results in the treatment of AA with oral formulas of JAKis. These agents, however, need chronic administration to maintain response. Topical formulations did not show satisfactory responses. The safety profile of these agents appears to be favorable. Current evidence is promising regarding the efficacy and safety of oral JAKis. However, the data obtained are of low quality, originating predominantly from reports of clinical cases. Further studies are needed to confirm these data and to optimize its long‐term efficacy and safety.