Solasodine Glycosides: A Topical Therapy for Actinic Keratosis. A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Parallel Group Study with CuradermBEC5

Background: Untreated actinic keratosis can advance to squamous cell carcinoma, which in turn is associated with a risk of metastasis. Current treatments for actinic keratosis have many shortcomings. This communication describes the efficacy and safety of a topical cream therapy, Curaderm, containing solasodine glycosides (0.005%) for actinic keratosis. Methods: Randomly assigned patients with actinic keratosis on the face, trunk or extremities received solasodine glycosides cream (Curaderm) or placebo (vehicle) that was self-applied to the lesions and covered with an occlusive dressing (micropore) twice daily for 3 consecutive days. Complete clearance and local reactions were assessed at 56 days with follow-up periods of 6 months and 1 year. Results: The rate of complete clearance at day 56 was higher with solasodine glycosides than with placebo (92% vs. 38%, P < 0.001). The absolute success rates after 1 year follow-up were 82% for solasodine glycosides and 18% for placebo. No differences in local reactions were obtained when solasodine glycosides and placebo were compared. Local reactions in both groups peaked at days 2 and 3 with local pain as the major event. The pain associated with treatments lasted approximately 10 minutes after application of solasodine glycosides and placebo. Complete reepithelialization occurred two weeks after treatment. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate in intensity and resolved without sequelae. Conclusions: Solasodine glycosides cream applied topically twice daily with a dressing for 3 days is effective for the treatment of actinic keratoses.