Clobetasol Versus Pimecrolimus for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus

Summary

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a skin condition of the external genitals (vulva) of women. LS causes vulvar itching, pain, and burning. In addition, LS causes scarring of the vulva which may cause significant sexual dysfunction or pain. Lastly, 4-6% of women with LS will develop vulvar cancer. The current "gold standard" treatment for lichen sclerosus is ultra-potent topical corticosteroids. When properly administered, topical ultra-potent corticosteroids help to resolve the symptoms of itching and burning and can prevent further vulvar scarring. In addition, proper treatment reverses the underlying inflammation of LS, and preliminary data shows that the risk of cancer also declines. While effective, topical corticosteroids have serious local and systemic side effects that include thinning of the skin, superimposed fungal infections, and suppression of the adrenal gland. Elidel 1% cream is a new type of medication that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of eczema. In theory, Elidel should also treat LS without the serious side effects that accompany corticosteroids. Therefore, this study is designed to compare the effectiveness and safety of a topical corticosteroid (clobetasol) versus Elidel 1% cream for the treatment of LS.

Timeline

Start

2006-10

Primary completion

2009-10

Completion

2009-10

Publications

• Results Goldstein AT, Marinoff SC, Christopher K. Pimecrolimus for the treatment of vulvar lichen sclerosus: a report of 4 cases. J Reprod Med. 2004 Oct;49(10):778-80.
• Results Goldstein AT, Creasey A, Pfau R, Phillips D, Burrows LJ. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial of clobetasol versus pimecrolimus in patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011 Jun;64(6):e99-104. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.06.011. Epub 2011 Feb 25.

Drugs

Indications