Phase 2 study of topical remetinostat gel for basal cell carcinoma

The mainstay of treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is surgical excision, which can result in significant associated morbidity, particularly for patients with recurrent tumors. Preclinical models suggested efficacy of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors for BCC. A phase II study at Stanford University (CA) evaluated topical remetinostat gel (a pan-HDAC inhibitor) for BCC. The overall response rate, defined as the proportion of tumors achieving more than 30% decrease in the longest diameter from baseline to week 8, was 69.7% (90% CI 54-82.5). Complete resolution was seen in 54.8% of tumors. No systemic adverse evens were reported.