Autologous cellular suspensions and sheets in the treatment of achromic disorders: the need for future controlled studies.

Transplantation techniques using cultured and noncultured keratinocyte and/or melanocyte suspensions or sheets have been reported as successful in inducing repigmentation in achromic epidermal diseases such as vitiligo and piebaldism. However, the role of a lot of variable factors in the transplantation procedure remains unclear. Occasionally control sites are included in the reported patient series. We point out the need for future controlled studies when performing transplantations of cellular suspensions and sheets. This approach will help to understand how these techniques induce repigmentation and may eventually indicate the essential requirements for successful results.