Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are a common skin problem largely caused by long term sun exposure. Current treatments include surgery, curettage/desiccation and simple excision, which are often cosmetically disfiguring. Non-invasive alternative therapy for treatment of BCC lesions is thus being researched. Sap from the plant Euphorbia peplus has been used for many years in Australia as a "folk" remedy to treat a number of skin conditions. The active component of Euphorbia peplus has been isolated and made into a gel applied directly to the skin by Peplin Opeation Pty Ltd.
The proposed study follows a previously conducted 12 week study in sBCC, PEP005-003. This was a two dose schedule evaluating doses up to 0.05%. Histological clearance rate at the end of study was 71% for the 0.05% concentration on the Day 1, Day 2 schedule compared with 0% in the vehicle group.
The proposed study aims to determine the maximum tolerated dose level (MTD) of PEP005 Topical Gel, in patients, when administered either as a single application or as two applications to a selected superficial basal cell carcinoma lesion with a 3 month follow up.
