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Treatment of extensive cutaneous metastatic melanoma with topical diphencyprone
Diona L Damian1, John F Thompson
1Department of Dermatology, University of Sydney at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Australia. diona.damian@email.cs.nsw.gov.au
Abstract:
Diphencyprone is a potent contact sensitizer sometimes used to treat alopecia areata and cutaneous warts. A patient with previous primary nodular melanoma on the scalp developed extensive, confluent cutaneous metastases near the primary site, unsuitable for treatment with surgery or radiotherapy. Topical treatment with diphencyprone as a single agent resulted in regression of all lesions, and the patient remains well 18 months later. Topical immunotherapy with diphencyprone was an inexpensive and well-tolerated treatment for extensive cutaneous melanoma metastases in our patient unsuitable for other therapies.
Insights
Topical diphencyprone effectively treated extensive cutaneous melanoma metastases in a patient unsuitable for surgery or radiotherapy. This immunotherapy approach led to lesion regression and sustained well-being for 18 months.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cutaneous melanoma metastases can be extensive and challenging to treat.
- Standard therapies like surgery and radiotherapy may not be suitable for all patients.
- Diphencyprone (DPCP) is a known contact sensitizer with therapeutic applications.
Observation:
- A patient with nodular melanoma developed extensive, confluent cutaneous metastases on the scalp.
- The patient's lesions were unsuitable for conventional surgical or radiation therapy.
- Topical diphencyprone was administered as a single-agent treatment.
Findings:
- Topical diphencyprone monotherapy led to complete regression of all cutaneous melanoma metastases.
- The patient remained disease-free for at least 18 months post-treatment.
- The treatment was well-tolerated and inexpensive.
Implications:
- Topical immunotherapy with diphencyprone presents a viable, cost-effective treatment option for extensive cutaneous melanoma metastases.
- This approach may be particularly beneficial for patients ineligible for surgery or radiotherapy.
- Further research into diphencyprone's efficacy and safety in treating advanced melanoma is warranted.
