Efficacy of Topical Tacrolimus in Different Subtypes With Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus (CLE)

Last updated: September 7, 2007
Sponsor: Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

2

Condition

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Dermatomyositis (Connective Tissue Disease)

Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (Dle)

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT00317681
AMG 001
2004-005020-41
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of topical tacrolimus in different subtypes of cutaneous lupus erythematosus. As shown by several groups activated memory T lymphocytes play a key role in the pathogenesis of lupus erythematosus. Tacrolimus targets T lymphocytes and suppresses their activation by inhibiting the expression of cytokine genes, such as IL-2. Therefore, treatment of cutaneous lupus erythematosus with topical tacrolimus might result in an improvement of skin lesions in such patients.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Cutaneous lupus erythematosus confirmed by histological analysis

  • Topical use of glucocorticosteroids stopped at least two weeks before the start of thestudy

  • Presence of two primary skin lesions with a clinical score ≥ 1

  • Written informed consent available prior to any screening procedures

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Systemic medication if taken for lupus erythematosus (e.g. chloroquine orhydroxychloroquine) started at least 6 months prior to the beginning of the study

  • Women of childbearing potential using inadequate birth control measures

  • Pregnancy and lactation

  • Known hypersensitivity to tacrolimus or any of the excipients

  • Patients receiving systemic immunosuppressive drugs and cytotoxic agents other thanantimalarial agents

Study Design

Total Participants: 30
Study Start date:
August 01, 2005
Estimated Completion Date:
February 28, 2007

Study Description

In patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE), topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment; however, a long-term use can lead to numerous side effects including skin atrophy. Recently, topical tacrolimus has been suggested to be effective in patients with different manifestations of CLE as single or additive therapy. Its anti-inflammatory effect can be explained by inhibition of calcineurin and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukins-2, -3, -4, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and tumour necrosis factor alpha. In this study, we evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus in 30 patients with different forms of CLE (ACLE, SCLE, DLE, LET). During a period of 3 months tacrolimus ointment and its placebo are applied on two separate skin lesions. Clinical follow-up examinations including photo documentation are performed every 4 weeks.

Connect with a study center

  • Heinrich-Heine-University of Duesseldorf, Department of Dermatology

    Duesseldorf, NRW 40225
    Germany

    Site Not Available

Map preview placeholder

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.