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.