WEDNESDAY, April 2, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- A cell harvesting device that prepares autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) at point-of-care is effective for repigmentation of stable vitiligo lesions, with positive patient-reported outcomes, according to a study published online March 28 in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Amit G. Pandya, M.D., from the Palo Alto Foundation Medical Group in Sunnyvale, California, and colleagues examined response and health-related quality-of-life changes following ASCS treatment of stable vitiligo in a large prospective multicenter study involving 107 patients. Vitiligo lesions were laser-ablated and received ASCS treatment followed by phototherapy at home.

The researchers found excellent repigmentation response (≥80 percent) by week 4. All lesions demonstrated improvement by week 24: 67, 42, and 8 percent achieved >50 percent, ≥80 percent, and complete repigmentation, respectively. Overall, 27.7 percent of lesions attained Vitiligo Noticeability Scale response; treatment satisfaction was reported by 72.3 percent of patients. At week 24, there was significant improvement from baseline in the Vitiligo Quality-of-Life instrument.

"This study confirms ASCS as highly effective and safe for the repigmentation of stable vitiligo lesions," the authors write. "High patient satisfaction and positive patient-reported outcomes highlight its meaningful impact on the psychological well-being of vitiligo patients, with potential for overall quality-of-life improvement."

Several authors disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical and dermatology industries.