A Double-Blind, Parallel-Group Trial of Topical Pimecrolimus Cream 1% (Elidel®) Versus Clobetasol 0.05% Cream for the Treatment of Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus
Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic cutaneous disorder affecting approximately one in seventy
women. Presenting symptoms may include intense pruritis, pain, burning, and severe
dyspareunia. The typical lesions of LS are white plaques and papules, often with areas of
echymosis, excoriation, and ulceration. Often, LS causes destruction of the vulva
architecture. In addition, 4-6% percent of women with LS will develop vulvar carcinoma. The
histopathologic changes of LS are distinctive and make biopsy a very useful diagnostic tool.
While there is no known cure for LS, the current gold standard treatment is ultra-potent
corticosteroids. When properly administered, topical ultra-potent corticosteroids help to
resolve the symptoms of pruritis and burning and can prevent further vulvar scarring. In
addition, proper treatment reverses the underlying histopathologic changes of LS, and
preliminary data shows that the risk of malignant transformation also declines. Although
treatment with topical corticosteroids is effective, topical corticosteroids have serious
local and systemic side effects, including dermal thinning, skin atrophy, superimposed
fungal infections, rebound dermatitis, and adrenal insufficiency.
Pimecrolimus cream 1% (Elidel®, Novartis Pharmaceutical) is a topical calcineurin inhibitor
that binds to macrophilin-12 and inhibits cytokine synthesis by T lymphocytes. Elidel has
been approved by the FDA for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. In theory,
as Elidel inhibits T lymphocytes, it should effectively treat lichen sclerosus. In addition,
as Elidel does not inhibit keratinocytes, or affect collagen synthesis, it does not cause
dermal atrophy. Therefore, Elidel may be an effective and safer alternative treatment for
LS. This study is designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of Elidel 1% cream versus
an ultra-potent corticosteroid (clobetasol 0.05% cream) for the treatment for vulvar LS.
Interventional
Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double-Blind, Primary Purpose: Treatment
Decreased inflammation on histopathology
Andrew T Goldstein, MD
Principal Investigator
Center for Vulvovaginal Disorders
United States: Food and Drug Administration
CASM981C US40
NCT00393263
October 2006
October 2006
Name | Location |
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Center for VulvoVaginal Disorders | Washington, District of Columbia 21012 |