Xeroderma pigmentosum

Oncology

Lesions treatment

Cutaneous lesions, such as actinic keratosis, should be treated in patients with XP according to the standard therapy guidelines (cryotherapy, curettage, or topical application of 5-fluorouracil, ingenol mebutate or imiquimod containing creams14.

On the other side, retinoids have been shown to decrease the incidence of skin cancer in patients with XP15. This treatment is limited by clinicians as it may create calcification of ligaments and tendons.

If tumours are detected during the course of the examination, surgery is the standard treatment when diagnosed early (refer to cutaneous biopsy). The margin size depends on the thickness of the tumour. After the excision, children will enter a monitoring phase with regular skin and lymph node examinations. In any case, consult your doctor for further details of each case.

More treatments are being studied and such as immunotherapy or targeted genetic therapy. Refer to section Research for further details.

children burnt
15Kraemer, K. H., DiGiovanna, J. J., Moshell, A. N., Tarone, R. E. & Peck, G. L. Prevention of Skin Cancer in Xeroderma Pigmentosum with the Use of Oral Isotretinoin. N. Engl. J. Med. 318, 1633–1637 (1988).
Last modified
21 October 2019