Can topical calcipotriol be a treatment alternative in actinic keratoses? A preliminary report

Recent research demonstrated that vitamin D, apart from calcium-related actions, has antiproliferative, prodifferentia-tive and immunomodulatory activities.

To determine whether actinic keratoses may benefit from the antiproliferative and prodifferentiative effects of topical vitamin D.

The study was an investigator-blinded, half-side comparison trial. Patients applied calcipotriol cream to one side and Ultrabase cream as placebo to the other side of the scalp and/or face for 12 weeks. The total number of actinic keratoses (AKs), diameters and total scores of the target lesions were determined at each visit.

Nine patients were included, eight of whom completed the treatment. There was a statistically significant difference between the total number of AKs at baseline and at week 12 on calcipotriol applied side whereas no difference was detected on placebo applied side (p = 0.028 vs p = 1.00). The mean total score of the target lesions reduced significantly at week 12 on calcipotriol side; however, no significant reduction was found on placebo side (p = 0.017 vs p = 0.056). Although side effects were more common on calcipotriol side, the difference was not statistically significant.

Topical calcipotriol may show promise in the treatment of actinic keratoses. More studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.