Trial Information

Regular Use of an SPF30 Sunscreen and an After-sun-lotion in Skin Cancer Risk Patients, Particularly in Xeroderma Pigmentosum and Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome

An SPF 30 sunscreen and a proprietary after sun lotion both containing a combination of
plankton extract and micrococcus lysate (kindly provided by ATEIA AG, Vaduz, Liechtenstein)
was used in a pilot study of intensified photoprotection in patients with multiple skin
cancers. Thirteen patients (8 women and 5 men), between 37 and 81 years old, who had had a
history of multiple skin cancers were enrolled in the study. Five of the patients had
xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) (complementation group: A, 2; C,1; and non-classified 2); one
patient XP variant, 3 patients basal cell nevus syndrome, and four patients no skin cancer
syndrome. Patients were instructed to apply their sunscreen regularly before sun exposure
and 4.5 ml of the after sun lotion to their face and arms daily, as close to mid-day as
possible for a period of up to 24 months. The patients were examined in 3-month intervals
and the new appearance of actinic keratoses and skin cancers was recorded. New lesions were
removed at these visits and the pathology was confirmed by histological examination, except
in the cases of (multiple) actinic keratoses, whenever patients agreed. The number of skin
tumors during the 24 months of the study was compared to the number in the preceding 24
month-period before study entry. The data were obtained from patient charts and/or
electronic files. There was a statistical trend for less BCCs during the study period
compared to the prestudy period. In addition, the patients received at each of the 3-month
visits a questionnaire and were asked to rate the status of their skin on face and arms
during the last 3 months for various parameters on a scale from -2 (maximum worsening) to +2
(maximum improvement). The patients' ratings revealed a statistically significant
improvement for several parameters: smoothness, color spots, wrinkles, burning, irritation,
teleangiectasia, infections, warts, and skin lesions or sores, starting as early than at the
first 3-month visit with a maximum effect seen at 12 months. No adverse effects were noted
during the study.