CompletedPhase 2ACTRN12609000475246

Topical immunotherapy with diphencyprone for cutaneous metastatic melanoma

Response of cutaneous metastatic melanoma to topical immunotherapy with diphencyprone

Sponsor

Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

Enrollment

50 participants

Start Date

Jun 16, 2009

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Melanoma metastatic and/or locally recurrent to skin

Summary

The objective is to investigate whether diphencyprone (DPCP), a chemical which can cause contact allergy on the skin in about 95% of people, can stimulate the immune system to destroy these melanoma cells. DPCP is frequently used in dermatology as a treatment for autoimmune hair loss (alopecia areata) and warts, where it also stimulates an immune attack on the wart virus. As melanoma is a tumour which is known to be particularly susceptible to immune attack, it is hoped that DPCP treatment will be helpful to patients with otherwise untreatable secondary melanoma in their skin. There have so far been a handful of published case reports of patients in whom DPCP has been helpful for melanoma.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and females

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests whether a topical skin treatment called diphencyprone can help treat melanoma that has spread to the skin. It involves applying the substance directly to skin tumours to stimulate the immune system to fight the cancer cells.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Topical application of diphencyprone cream to cutaneous metastases. The optimal diphencyprone dose is determined in each patient as the concentration causing adequate but not excessive contact de

Topical application of diphencyprone cream to cutaneous metastases. The optimal diphencyprone dose is determined in each patient as the concentration causing adequate but not excessive contact dermatitis. The concentration may range from 0.0001% to 2%, mixed in aqueous cream. The cream is applied once per week, for 24 to 48 hours depending on intensity of response. If there has been no response in 3 months, the treatment will be ceased. If there is response, the treatment can be continued indefinitely until refractory disease recurrence/progression. Usually, patients will require ~1 to 3 months to achieve a response. Ongoing treatment (ie, cream applied each week at home by patients) will then be offered to any patients who request it, with the aim of preventing further recurrence.

Locations(1)

NSW, Australia

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ACTRN12609000475246