A double-blind study of the efficacy of metronidazole gel in the treatment of malodorous fungating tumours.

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial was undertaken to assess the value of topical metronidazole gel preparation in the palliation of the offensive odour of fungating tumours. This 5 day trial was followed by a 6 day period during which all patients received the active gel. Subjective odour assessments were performed by both patients and medical staff. 11 patients were entered and the randomisation was then halted because of an obvious overall benefit over the whole 11 days. There was a non-significant trend in favour of the active treatment during the initial double-blind placebo-controlled phase of the trial, and no side-effects were observed.