Cutaneous Lupus Clinical Trials May Overlook Darker-Skinned Patients
The Study Lead Authored by Medical Student Lillian Xie Was Published in JAMA Dermatology.
New research published in JAMA Dermatology by Lillian Xie, SOM Class of 2025, highlights a critical gap in how cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is assessed in clinical trials. The study found that differences in how skin inflammation, also known as erythema, appears across racial groups may unintentionally prevent some patients—especially those with darker skin tones—from qualifying for trials.
“As erythema is a key factor in assessing disease severity and determining treatment eligibility, our findings suggest that current scoring methods may not fully capture the condition in all patients,” says Xie, who served as lead author on the study conducted during a research year at the University of Pennsylvania. “This research highlights the need for more inclusive assessment tools to ensure that new dermatologic treatments are both effective and accessible for everyone.”
CLE includes a range of skin symptoms that can occur independently or as part of systemic lupus erythematosus. The condition causes substantial physical and psychological discomfort, such as pain, scarring, and skin sensitivity, that can profoundly affect an individual’s well-being and quality of life. Despite the impact of CLE, no new treatments have been approved for the condition in more than 60 years.
“My passion for social advocacy has always been a driving force in my career, and dermatology offers a unique opportunity to translate that passion into meaningful improvements in patient care. As one of the most rapidly evolving fields in medicine, dermatology continually introduces innovative treatments, but it’s critical that these advancements benefit all patients equitably and reflect the diversity of the population it serves,” says Xie.
