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

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.