Alitretinoin Is Effective for Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

In a small case series, this retinoid controlled CLE.

Previous observations have suggested that retinoids, including isotretinoin and acitretin, may play a role in the management of cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). Alitretinoin (9-cis retinoic acid) is another vitamin A derivative that is approved in Europe as an oral formulation for use in recalcitrant hand eczema, but it is not yet licensed in the U.S. for this indication. A topical version is approved in the U.S. for treatment of Kaposi sarcoma.

These authors treated three patients with varying types of CLE with oral alitretinoin at 30 mg/day. One patient had severe discoid lesions with systemic LE, one had hypertrophic LE, and one had subacute CLE. The authors report successful control: total clearance in two patients and nearly complet…

Reviewing Author

Jeffrey P. Callen, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board XOMA; Eli Lilly; Celgene

Equity Various trust accounts

Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societies Association of Professors of Dermatology (President-Elect)