title: Preventive Long-Term Effects of a Topical Film-Forming Medical Device with Ultra-High UV Protection Filters and DNA Repair Enzyme in Xeroderma Pigmentosum: A Retrospective Study of Eight Cases.
abstract: Skin cancer is common in xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) due to a DNA repair mechanisms genetic defect. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure is the main cause of increased incidence of actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) observed in XP subjects. Photoprotection is therefore a mandatory strategy in order to reduce skin damage. A topical DNA repair enzyme has been shown to slow down the development of skin lesions in XP. However, there are no data regarding the effects of photoprotection combined with DNA repair strategies in this clinical setting. A film-forming medical device containing the DNA repair enzyme photolyase and very high-protection UV filters (Eryfotona AK-NMSC, Ery) is currently available. We report retrospective data regarding the use of Ery in 8 patients (5 women, 3 men) with a diagnosis of XP treated for at least 12 consecutive months, comparing the rate of new skin lesions (AK, BCC and SCC) during active treatment with Ery and during 12 months just before the use of the product. New AK, BCC and SCC mean lesion numbers during the 1-year Ery treatment were 5, 3 and 0, respectively in comparison with 14, 6.8 and 3 lesions, respectively during the 1-year pre-treatment period. Ery use was associated with a 65% reduction in appearance of new AK lesions and with 56 and 100% reductions in the incidence of new BCC and SCC lesions, respectively. These data suggest that topical use of photoprotection and DNA repair enzyme could help lower skin cancer lesions in XP. Control prospective trials are advisable in this clinical setting.
authors.affiliation: Genodermatosis Service, Dermatology Clinic, University 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Giustini
authors.affiliation: Genodermatosis Service, Dermatology Clinic, University 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Emanuele
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Miraglia
authors.affiliation: San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Enzo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Berardesca
authors.affiliation: Medical Direction Isdin Italy, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Milani
authors.affiliation: Genodermatosis Service, Dermatology Clinic, University 'La Sapienza', Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Calvieri
keywords: Non-melanoma skin cancer; Photolyase; Sunscreen; Xeroderma pigmentosum