Blog
Welcome to our updates
In these spaces, we will bring you the latest updates and advances in the understanding and treatment of vitiligo, as well as our achievements in vitiligo research and publications
21 Nov 2019. New Treatment for Vitiligo - Janus Kinase Inhibitors: Tofacitinib.
Many new treatments are on the horizon for vitiligo. This is due to the intense research that has been carried out in the last 10 years. We have made much progress in the understanding of the autoimmune basis of vitiligo: thanks to the excellent research works done by Prof John Harris and his team. In 2014, Prof John Harris spoke at the 22nd International Pigment Cell Conference in Singapore, organised by Dr Goh Boon Kee, at the Shangri-La Hotel. There, Prof John Harris presented that interleukin gamma (IFNg) signalling pathway is crucial for the development of vitiligo. Over the last 5 years, more has been learnt about this pathway. It is now known that the IFNg pathway involves the Janus Kinases (which are molecules within the cell membrane transmit and modulate these IFNg signals). By blocking Janus Kinases, the development of vitiligo can be halted. One of he drugs that block Janus kinases (also known as JAK inhibitors) is Tofacitinib. Oral tofacitinib has been tried in clinical trials for vitiligo. But because of the potential side effects of these drugs, especially in long term use (including malignancy), the oral form of this drug is currently not recommended for vitiligo. Instead researchers are now exploring the topical (i.e. cream/ lotion) form of this drug. Topical tofacitinib and other JAK inhibitors (cream or lotion formulations) are currently under intense research for vitiligo. The early trials using topical tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, when combined with phototherapy, have shown promising results. We will be starting the clinical trial of topical tofacitinib in our centre soon. Stay tune to learn more..
Many new treatments are on the horizon for vitiligo. This is due to the intense research that has been carried out in the last 10 years. We have made much progress in the understanding of the autoimmune basis of vitiligo: thanks to the excellent research works done by Prof John Harris and his team. In 2014, Prof John Harris spoke at the 22nd International Pigment Cell Conference in Singapore, organised by Dr Goh Boon Kee, at the Shangri-La Hotel. There, Prof John Harris presented that interleukin gamma (IFNg) signalling pathway is crucial for the development of vitiligo. Over the last 5 years, more has been learnt about this pathway. It is now known that the IFNg pathway involves the Janus Kinases (which are molecules within the cell membrane transmit and modulate these IFNg signals). By blocking Janus Kinases, the development of vitiligo can be halted. One of he drugs that block Janus kinases (also known as JAK inhibitors) is Tofacitinib. Oral tofacitinib has been tried in clinical trials for vitiligo. But because of the potential side effects of these drugs, especially in long term use (including malignancy), the oral form of this drug is currently not recommended for vitiligo. Instead researchers are now exploring the topical (i.e. cream/ lotion) form of this drug. Topical tofacitinib and other JAK inhibitors (cream or lotion formulations) are currently under intense research for vitiligo. The early trials using topical tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, when combined with phototherapy, have shown promising results. We will be starting the clinical trial of topical tofacitinib in our centre soon. Stay tune to learn more..
goh boon kee
Dermatologist
5 - 7 Nov 2019
Dr Goh Boon Kee shares his expertise on vitiligo surgery with the delegates at the 42nd Philippines Dermatological Society Congress at Shangri-La EDSA, Manila. The treatment of vitiligo using surgical transplant falls under 2 categories: tissue grafting and melanocyte grafting. For surgery to be successful, it is important that the vitiligo is stable, that is not enlarging or spreading. Melanocyte grafting involves grafting an individual's own melanocytes to back onto vitiligo skin to restore colour . Under an experienced specialist and proper selection criteria, the success rate reaches 80% to 90%.
Dr Goh Boon Kee shares his expertise on vitiligo surgery with the delegates at the 42nd Philippines Dermatological Society Congress at Shangri-La EDSA, Manila. The treatment of vitiligo using surgical transplant falls under 2 categories: tissue grafting and melanocyte grafting. For surgery to be successful, it is important that the vitiligo is stable, that is not enlarging or spreading. Melanocyte grafting involves grafting an individual's own melanocytes to back onto vitiligo skin to restore colour . Under an experienced specialist and proper selection criteria, the success rate reaches 80% to 90%.
24 May 2017
Dr Goh Boon Kee joins the world experts in Vitiligo in contributing a Chapter to the latest journal edition of Dermatologic Clinics (Editor: John E Harris).
In this chapter he writes about clinical signs and presentation of vitiligo, and how it can be distinguished from other skin diseases involving the loss of skin colour. He provides an algorithm to aid further diagnosis.
Dr Goh Boon Kee joins the world experts in Vitiligo in contributing a Chapter to the latest journal edition of Dermatologic Clinics (Editor: John E Harris).
In this chapter he writes about clinical signs and presentation of vitiligo, and how it can be distinguished from other skin diseases involving the loss of skin colour. He provides an algorithm to aid further diagnosis.
Dr Goh Boon Kee
Dermatologist
