Topical retinoid treatment for skin cancer: a review

There is laboratory and clinical evidence to suggest that retinoids have a potentially important place in the management of neoplastic and preneoplastic disorders of the epidermis. Topical administration avoids the side-effects of orally administered retinoids, but doubts remain over their efficacy. Evidence from clinical studies suggests that although topical retinoids have some effect in treating established skin cancers, alternative treatments are more effective. Topical retinoids appear more effective in the treatment of solar keratoses and epidermal dysplasia in photodamaged skin.