Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 15, 2026
05:05
Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
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Lichen planus pemphigoides treated with ustekinumab.
Raymond R Knisley1, Angelo A Petropolis2, Vernon T Mackey3
1Florida Dermatology & Skin Cancer Centers, Lake Wales, USA.
Cutis
|January 24, 2018
Summary
Lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) is a rare condition combining lichen planus and bullous pemphigoid. Ustekinumab showed favorable results in treating a patient with refractory LPP, suggesting a new therapeutic avenue.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Lichen planus pemphigoides (LPP) is a rare autoimmune blistering disease with clinical and histological overlap between lichen planus (LP) and bullous pemphigoid (BP).
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and other cytokines are implicated in the pathogenesis of LP, BP, and LPP.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of papulosquamous lesions and several months of vesiculobullous plaques, diagnosed as LPP.
- The patient experienced persistent symptoms despite multiple conventional therapies, with disease progression including mucosal involvement.
Findings:
- Conventional systemic therapies failed to control the patient's LPP.
- Treatment with ustekinumab, a biologic targeting IL-12/23, resulted in favorable clinical outcomes.
Implications:
- Ustekinumab may represent a promising therapeutic option for refractory cases of lichen planus pemphigoides.
- Targeting cytokine pathways, such as IL-12/23, could be beneficial in managing LPP, warranting further investigation.
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