Topical Calcineurin Inhibitor Tacrolimus in Orabase: an Alternative Treatment for Erosive Oral Lichen Planus

Abstract

Tacrolimus, a macrolide with immunosuppressive properties through the inhibition of T-lymphocyte activation, was approved as a second line topical treatment for atopic dermatitis, but has been largely used with beneficial effects in other dermatological conditions that involve a disregulation of the cellular immune response. Oral lichen planus is a T-cell�mediated autoimmune disease in which autocytotoxic CD8+ T cells trigger apoptosis of oral epithelial cells. Our study aimed to analyze the clinical efficacy of tacrolimus 0.03% and 0.1% in orabase as monotherapy on oral erosive lesions of lichen planus, in a group of 20 patients consulted in the Dermatology Clinic of the University C.F. Hospital Iasi during a period of five years. Our results show total or partial remission of oral erosive lesions in most patients at 3 months follow-up. However, after treatment discontinuation relapses are common, which is why intermittent use of topical tacrolimus is needed for longer periods to prevent recurrences. Further large scale studies are necessary to establish efficacy and safety profile of prolonged use of tacrolimus on mucosal membranes, as well as the most appropriate vehicle and concentration.