Dermal uses of trans-retinoids for the treatment of cancer

Abstract

The dermal use of non-irritating retinoids such as the esters and amides of 13-cis and 13-trans-retinoic acid for effecting the reduction and reversal of photoaging and skin cancer is disclosed.

I claim: 
     
       1. A method for retarding and reversing the effects of skin cancer in a human subject requiring said treatment without the inducement of dermatitis which comprises topical application on a cancerous dermal site of said human subject a pharmaceutical composition which comprises an effective skin cancer treatment amount of a non-irritating retinoid having the formula ##STR9## wherein R is a member of the group consisting of ##STR10## wherein X is a member of the group consisting of ##STR11## wherein n is a number from 1 to 5; wherein R' is a member of the group consisting of H and any of the lower alkyls ranging from C 1  to C 6  ; wherein R" is a member of the group consisting of ##STR12## wherein each R"' is a member of the group consisting of R' and the hydrocarbon backbone of fatty acids; and further, where there are two or more R', R", or R"' groups attached to the same carbon or nitrogen, each R', R", R"' may be the same as or different from the other R', R", R"' groups attached to that carbon or nitrogen; admixed with a pharmaceutically-acceptable topical vehicle. 
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein said retinoid compound comprises from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of said composition. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1, wherein said retinoid compound comprises from about 0.05% to about 0.2% by weight of said composition. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1, wherein said vehicle is propylene glycol-ethanol and an antioxidant. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1, wherein said retinoid compound is 1-(all trans-retinoyloxy)-2-propanone.