title: Rapid improvement of extensive non-melanoma skin cancers with combination of 13-cis-retinoic acid and radiotherapy: report of three cases.
abstract: Extensive non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) constitutes a therapeutic challenge especially in old and debilitated patients. Applied treatments include surgical excision, MOHS micrographic surgery, cryosurgery, electrodesiccation, and radiotherapy. We present 3 elderly patients with extensive basal or squamous cell carcinomas and poor general condition who were treated with a combination of 13-cis-retinoic acid 1 mg/kg daily and radiotherapy 2.5 Gy daily. The treatment resulted in rapid improvement of the tumors with significant reduction of their size.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, "A. Sygros" Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Danopoulou
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Korfitis
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Koliarakis
authors.forename: D T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Trafalis
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015474:Isotretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D015474:Isotretinoin