Ruxolitinib in the Treatment of Vitiligo. The Importance of the JAK STAT Pathway.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disease of multifactorial nature that causes skin depigmentation as a consequence of melanocyte loss. Although sometimes it is said to be untreatable, there are therapies that have succeeded in halting its progression and promoting repigmentation. One of these are inhibitors of the JAK-STAT pathway, which plays a prominent role in the immunopathogenesis of the disease. Ruxolitinib, a JAK 1/2 inhibitor, has been the first topical drug approved for the treatment of vitiligo. This narrative review addresses the immunopathologic processes involved in vitiligo, the role of the JAK-STAT pathway, and the efficacy and safety results of ruxolitinib in the treatment of nonsegmental vitiligo in adult and adolescent patients older than 12 years with facial involvement. In addition, the psychological repercussions and the impact on the quality of life suffered by patients with vitiligo are described.