Efficacy of extracorporeal photopheresis in the treatment of severe erosive lichen planus: a case series

Abstract

There are no good evidence-based recommendations for any systemic treatment of erosive lichen planus (ELP). Extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) may be an effective therapy for recalcitrant forms of the disease. We report 3 patients with severe ELP treated with ECP. Objective clinical response as assessed by the dermatologist, subjective response as reported by the patient, and recorded adverse events were monitored. Each patient showed a partial response of cutaneous, oral and genital lesions. Esophageal lesions were more resistant to the treatment. The 3 report cases, added to the 38 other cases in the literature, strongly support the value of ECP for the treatment of ELP. ECP may be effective as salvage therapeutic option for ELP refractory to current treatments. Because of the lack of side effects in contrast to other therapies, ECP is an interesting therapeutic option when immunosuppressive drugs are contraindicated.