Can a JAK-Inhibitor cream recolor white patches caused by cancer treatment?
NCT ID NCT07725432
First seen Jul 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a topical cream containing ruxolitinib can safely restore skin color in people who develop white patches (vitiligo-like depigmentation) as a side effect of cancer immunotherapy. The cream is applied twice daily for 52 weeks. Researchers will measure how much color returns to the face and body. The trial includes 34 adults with at least 5% body surface area affected.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a topical cream containing ruxolitinib, a JAK inhibitor
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this cream could become the first approved treatment for white patches caused by cancer immunotherapy, helping restore skin color.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 34 participants. Previous studies in other forms of vitiligo showed improvement in about half of patients, but results may differ for this specific cause.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 34 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2024
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients eligible for this inclusion in this study have to fulfil all the following criteria: * Age 18 years * Written informed consent of the patient * Sufficient fluency in German language skills to complete all questionnaires of the study without external assistance * Treatment-related, immune-related vitiligo-like depigmentation of at least 5% body surface area of one region (face or one upper or lower extremity or front or back side of the trunk) * Female participants must use effective contraceptives, either: An ovulation-inhibiting method (e.g., pill, injectable, implant, patch, or vaginal ring) or an intrauterine device (IUD). Contraception should extend one week post-study. If pregnancy occurs during or within one week after the study, participants should notify the overseeing physician immediately. * During participation in the study and up to one week afterwards, male participants may only have sexual intercourse with condoms. Female partners of male participants must use a highly effective contraceptive method during the partner's participation in the study and for up to 1 week afterwards Exclusion Criteria: Patients fulfilling any of the following criteria are not eligible for the inclusion in this study: * Acute psychiatric illness (except mild to moderate depression) * Contraindications to ruxolitinib, e.g. known hypersensitivity or allergy * Use of topical glucocorticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, UV light therapy, therapeutic biologics, other JAK inhibitors or potent immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine are not allowed during the study period (no wash out period required). * Women who are pregnant or breast feeding * Intention to become pregnant during the course of the study * Known or suspected non-compliance, drug or alcohol abuse. * Patients with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. * Inability to follow the procedures of the study due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia of the participant. * Participation in another trial with topical or oral ruxolitinib within the 30 days preceding and during the present study. * Simultaneously participation in clinical trials with intervention with a drug other than ruxolitinib (except registry studies) * Previous enrolment into the current study. * Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Universitätsspital Zürich
Zurich, 8058, Switzerland