Wrinkles Yes, Cancers No: Topical Tretinoin for Preventing NMSC

No differences were observed between tretinoin and control groups in time to recurrence or other measures.

Taken orally, the retinoid acetretin reduces risk for new primary basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) in high-risk patients. The retinoid tretinoin, applied topically, opens comedones, improves acne, and reverses some changes in skin associated with aging. Could topical tretinoin, like systemic acetretin, also reduce the risk for nonmelanoma skin cancers? If so, topical therapy might be cheaper than, and avoid the risks of, systemic acetretin therapy.

In a prospective study, investigators randomly assigned 1131 participants who had developed BCCs or SCCs on the face or ears in the previous 5 years to apply either tretinoin 0.1% cream or vehicle to those areas, up to twice daily. Participants who developed itch, s…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)