Leukoplakia of the vulva locally treated by 13-cis-retinoic acid.
Repeated topical application of 13-cis-retinoic acid resulted in complete disappearance of leukoplakia of the vulva in 8 out of 16 patients, among them 2 out of 3 with recurrence after vulvectomy. A considerable regression of leukoplakia was seen in 7 other patients, usually after 1 to 2 months of daily retinoid treatment. After 2-4 months of maintenance therapy and during 3-7 months of the follow up period no recurrences were seen. Side effects of treatment could be managed. Serum retinol level was found to be lower in patients then in healthy subjects. The results suggest that patients with chronic epithelial vulvar dystrophies could benefit from local retinoid treatment, especially in cases with advanced dystrophies until now qualified for vulvectomy.
Markowska
J
J
Janik
P
P
Wiese
E
E
Ostrowski
J
J
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin; D007971:Leukoplakia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014846:Vulvar Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014212:Tretinoin; D015474:Isotretinoin