Treatment of severe lichen planus with mycophenolate mofetil

J Am Acad Dermatol. 2003 Dec;49(6):1063-6. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(03)02111-x.

Abstract

Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory skin disorder with a wide range of clinical appearances. The treatment of disseminated and especially erosive forms of LP is often difficult and disappointing. Activated T cells are important in the pathogenesis of LP as indicated by the dermal lymphocytic infiltrate leading to keratinocyte destruction and lesion formation. Similar histologic findings are present in graft-versus-host disease. Since T cells are key players in the development of both disorders and mycophenolate mofetil has been successfully introduced in the treatment of graft-versus-host disease, we have examined the therapeutic potential of this agent in 3 patients suffering from disseminated and erosive LP. Mycophenolate mofetil was well tolerated and induced complete remission in 2 patients, and substantial improvement in the third patient.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Lichen Planus / drug therapy*
  • Lichen Planus / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycophenolic Acid / analogs & derivatives*
  • Mycophenolic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Mycophenolic Acid