Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42482673›Full record

SynthesisMediators of inflammation2026

Efficacy and Safety of JAK Inhibitors in Lichen Planus: A Systematic Review of the Available Clinical Evidence.

Wiktoria Bajek, Anna Gwóźdź, Aleksandra Kozik, Aleksandra Spyra, Wiktor Kruczek, Aleksandra Frątczak, Anna Tekielak, Beata Bergler-Czop, Bartosz Miziołek

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in Mediators of inflammation, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Wiktoria BajekStudents Scientific Association, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, sum.edu.pl.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6200-2471
Anna GwóźdźStudents Scientific Association, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, sum.edu.pl.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2018-7575
Aleksandra KozikStudents Scientific Association, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, sum.edu.pl.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4468-9810
Aleksandra SpyraStudents Scientific Association, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, sum.edu.pl.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2288-6411
Wiktor KruczekStudents Scientific Association, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, sum.edu.pl.ORCID https://orcid.org/0009-0008-5193-2074
Aleksandra FrątczakChair and Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, sum.edu.pl.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9047-7483
Anna TekielakChair and Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, sum.edu.pl.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2711-6340
Beata Bergler-CzopChair and Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, sum.edu.pl.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3788-5984
Bartosz MiziołekChair and Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland, sum.edu.pl.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8388-4419

Funding

Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny BNW-NWN-640-2-1-349/26
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundLichen planus (LP) is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disorder affecting the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nails. Conventional therapies such as corticosteroids and systemic immunosuppressants often demonstrate limited efficacy and are associated with undesirable side effects. The underlying inflammatory process is largely dominated by Th1/IFN-ɣ cytokines and the activation of the Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT pathway, highlighting JAK inhibitors as a novel, targeted therapeutic approach for recalcitrant forms of LP.

aimThe aim of the study was to systematically analyze the current scientific evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of various LP variants. MATERIAL AND

methodsA comprehensive literature search was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases from inception up to May 2026. Eighty-four relevant studies were enrolled into the final analysis. The risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed using the JBI critical appraisal tools.

resultsThe final analysis consisted predominantly of case reports, case series, and limited controlled trials. Both systemic agents (e.g., tofacitinib, upadacitinib, and baricitinib) and topical formulations (e.g., ruxolitinib) demonstrated rapid reductions in pruritus and pain, followed by clinical resolution of inflammatory lesions. High rates of complete and partial clinical responses were observed across diverse variants. Short-term adverse effects were generally mild and manageable, although the overall certainty of the evidence was low.

conclusionsJAK inhibitors demonstrate a promising preliminary clinical response and acceptable short-term safety for managing refractory LP variants. While these agents present a valuable alternative to conventional therapies, the current evidence relies heavily on observational data. Large, randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed to establish optimal dosing, confirm safety, and evaluate sustained efficacy in clinical practice.

Indexed as

Janus Kinase InhibitorsLichen PlanusAzetidinesHeterocyclic Compounds, 3-RingHumansNitrilesPiperidinesPurinesPyrazolesPyrimidinesPyrrolesSulfonamidesAzetidinesbaricitinibHeterocyclic Compounds, 3-RingJanus Kinase InhibitorsNitrilesPiperidinesPurinesPyrazolesPyrimidinesPyrrolesruxolitinibSulfonamidestofacitinibupadacitinibJAK inhibitorJanus kinase inhibitorlichen planus

Identifiers

PMID42482673
PMCPMC13389632

What OpenQuestion holds

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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.