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The effect of topical tretinoin on dysplastic nevi. A preliminary trial
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson.
Abstract:
Twenty-one patients were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind study that examined the effects of topical 0.05% tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid; vitamin A acid; Retin-A) solution on dysplastic nevi. Following histologic confirmation of the diagnosis of dysplastic nevus in three representative lesions, patients applied either tretinoin or a placebo containing 50% alcohol to selected dysplastic nevi once a day under tape occlusion, or twice a day unoccluded, for 4 months. Immediate posttreatment comparative photographs showed marked fading or elimination of some dysplastic nevi clinically, and histologic examination of excisional biopsy specimens showed disappearance or reversion to benign nevi in many of the treated lesions. There were no clinical or histologic changes in those dysplastic nevi treated with placebo. This study shows a definite biological effect of topical tretinoin on some dysplastic nevi.
Insights
Topical tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) significantly reduced or eliminated dysplastic nevi in a clinical study. This vitamin A derivative demonstrated a clear biological effect on these skin lesions.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Dysplastic nevi are atypical moles that can potentially progress to melanoma.
- Topical treatments are being explored for managing dysplastic nevi non-invasively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of topical 0.05% tretinoin (all-trans-retinoic acid) in treating dysplastic nevi.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind study involving 21 patients with histologically confirmed dysplastic nevi.
- Patients applied either 0.05% tretinoin solution or a placebo (50% alcohol) to selected lesions daily for 4 months, with varying occlusion methods.
Main Results:
- Clinical observation showed marked fading or elimination of dysplastic nevi in the tretinoin group.
- Histologic examination of treated lesions revealed disappearance or reversion to benign nevi in a significant number of cases.
- No significant clinical or histologic changes were observed in the placebo group.
Conclusions:
- Topical tretinoin exhibits a definite biological effect on some dysplastic nevi.
- This finding suggests a potential therapeutic role for tretinoin in managing dysplastic nevi.