The BEST study: evaluating efficacy by selected demographic subsets

Acne therapy often requires continuous treatment with a combination of agents. Patient satisfaction with treatment ensures proper compliance, which ultimately leads to a successful outcome. The BenzaClin (benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical gel) Efficacy and Satisfaction Trial (BEST) was conducted to determine changes in the degree of satisfaction after using benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical gel in patients with mild to moderate acne who were not satisfied with their current therapy. Reported in this subanalysis are results stratified according to selected patient demographic subsets (18 years and younger, 21-30 years; male, female; white, black, Hispanic, and Asian; and patients with mild acne). Efficacy variables included patient satisfaction, acne condition and severity, quality of life (QOL), and physician assessment of treatment response. Significant increases in patient satisfaction and improvement in acne condition were demonstrated with the use of benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical gel by male and female patients of the ages and races evaluated, as well as by patients with mild acne (P < or = .0001 for all patient subsets). Patients across genders and the specified age groups and races, as well as patients with mild acne, reported significant (P < .05) improvements in QOL following treatment with benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical gel. The majority of patients in most subsets, including those with mild acne, demonstrated marked improvements as measured by Physician Global Assessment (PGA) in response to treatment. In summary, patients who have been dissatisfied with their treatment regimen may be more satisfied with the use of this benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical gel regardless of age, gender, or race.