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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 5, 2025

Direct Reprogramming of Mouse Fibroblasts into Melanocytes

Direct Reprogramming of Mouse Fibroblasts into Melanocytes

Published on: August 27, 2021

Progressive vitiligo induced by recurrent melanoma.

Yasuo Nakai¹, Ayaka Ueki¹, Keiichi Yamanaka¹

¹Department of Dermatology Mie University Graduate School of medicine Tsu Japan.

Clinical Case Reports

|January 24, 2022

Summary

Melanoma can trigger vitiligo through an autoimmune response targeting anti-tumor immunity. This phenomenon, where depigmented macules appear on the limb, is increasingly observed in advanced melanoma patients.

Keywords:

local immunity melanoma recurrence vitiligo

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Area of Science:

Oncology
Immunology
Dermatology

Background:

A patient presented with recurrent melanoma on the left lower leg and extensive depigmented plaques on the same limb.
The depigmented macules were localized to the affected limb, suggesting a localized autoimmune response.
Despite lymph node dissection, the local anti-tumor immune environment remained intact.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the potential link between melanoma and the development of vitiligo.
To explore the role of anti-tumor autoimmune mechanisms in melanoma-associated vitiligo.
To highlight the recognition of this phenomenon in the context of advanced melanoma treatment.

Main Methods:

Clinical case observation of a melanoma patient with vitiligo.
Assessment of the local immune environment.
Review of recent literature on melanoma treatment and associated vitiligo.

Main Results:

Recurrent melanoma was associated with extensive, limb-localized depigmented plaques.
The local immune system demonstrated preserved anti-tumor immunity.
Melanoma-associated vitiligo is increasingly recognized, particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

Conclusions:

Melanoma-associated vitiligo is likely mediated by an anti-tumor autoimmune response.
This autoimmune phenomenon is a recognized side effect in advanced melanoma treatment.
Preservation of the local immune environment may facilitate such autoimmune responses.