Low-dose retinoid therapy for chemoprophylaxis of skin cancer in renal transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND

Renal transplant recipients have an increased incidence of skin cancers, which may be multiple and aggressive.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to examine the chemoprophylactic effects of low-dose etretinate (0.3 mg/kg/day) on skin cancer development in renal transplant recipients and to monitor retinoid toxic effects at this dose.

METHODS

All skin lesions were counted and photographed prior to therapy with etretinate. Patients were assessed at monthly intervals for new skin lesions and for retinoid toxicity.

RESULTS

Eleven renal transplant recipients participated. There was a significant reduction in the number of skin cancers which occurred during etretinate therapy compared with pre-treatment for 3 and 6 months of treatment, and a trend towards fewer skin cancers in the 12 and 18 month treatment periods. Side-effects were well-tolerated and no significant biochemical effects were observed.

CONCLUSION

Low dose etretinate is safe, well-tolerated and partially effective in chemoprophylaxis of skin cancer in renal transplant recipients.