Systematic review of dupilumab safety and efficacy for treatment of keloid scars

Keloids, characterized by excessive scar formation following dermal inflammation, pose a therapeutic challenge due to high recurrence rates. Radiation therapy, contraindicated in children, can minimize recurrence post-surgical removal. Dupilumab, which inhibits the pro-fibrotic interleukin-4/interleukin-13 axis, may effectively manage keloids when intralesional corticosteroid injections are unsuccessful. It may also prevent recurrence post-surgery in pediatric patients. This systematic review assesses the efficacy and safety of dupilumab for the treatment of keloids. Through a systematic search adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we identified and analyzed outcomes from three case reports and three case series studies, totaling 15 patients. Results indicate variable responses to treatment, including significant improvements, no clinical change, and worsening of keloid symptoms. Additional research is needed to recommend using dupilumab to treat keloids (Grade D). Treatment response variability may be linked to differences in interleukin-4/interleukin-13 activity between active and inactive keloids. Additionally, the unintended promotion of T helper 17 cell differentiation by dupilumab may worsen keloids.