An evaluation of the efficacy of topical application of salicylic acid for the treatment of familial cylindromatosis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Familial cylindromatosis is a rare genetic disorder, giving rise to neoplasms of the skin appendages. We have recently shown that loss of the cylindromatosis tumour suppressor gene leads to activation of NF-kappaB, a transcription factor having antiapoptotic activity. This provides a possible explanation for the deregulated growth of cylindromas. In cell-based assays, salicylate can prevent NF-kappaB activation caused by loss of the cylindromatosis gene, suggesting that salicylic acid application might be a potential treatment for cylindromatosis.

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the effectiveness of topical application of salicylic acid on familial cylindromas.

METHODS:

Cylindromas in five patients from four different cylindromatosis families were treated with twice daily and then once daily topical salicylic acid. Clinical response was determined by serial tumour measurements.

RESULTS:

In total 17 cylindromas in five patients were studied: 12 target lesions and five control lesions. The median size of the cylindromas was 1.0 cm (range, 0.6-2.8 cm). Two of the 12 cylindromas showed a complete remission. Another eight lesions showed some response, but not sufficient to qualify as partial remission. The control lesions remained stable or increased in size.

CONCLUSIONS:

Salicylic acid is a well-tolerated and potential new treatment for cylindromatosis.

• Authors: H M Oosterkamp, H Neering, S M B Nijman, A M G Dirac, W J Mooi, R Bernards, T R Brummelkamp
• Journal: The British journal of dermatology (Br J Dermatol) Vol. 155 Issue 1 Pg. 182-5 (Jul 2006) ISSN: 0007-0963 [Print] England
• PMID: 16792771 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Keratolytic Agents
• NF-kappa B
• I-kappa B Kinase
• Salicylic Acid

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic (drug therapy, genetics, metabolism)
• Carcinoma, Skin Appendage (drug therapy, genetics, metabolism)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Genes, Tumor Suppressor
• Humans
• I-kappa B Kinase (metabolism)
• Keratolytic Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• NF-kappa B (metabolism)
• Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary (drug therapy, genetics, metabolism)
• Pilot Projects
• Remission Induction
• Salicylic Acid (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)