Topical corticosteroid has no influence on inflammation or efficacy after ingenol mebutate treatment of grade I to III actinic keratoses (AK): A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Ingenol mebutate (IngMeb) is approved for treatment of actinic keratoses (AK) and may cause unpredictable local skin responses (LSR).

OBJECTIVES: We sought to investigate whether IngMeb-induced LSR, pain, and pruritus could be alleviated with a topical glucocorticoid and, further, to assess efficacy, cosmetic outcome, and patient satisfaction in patients with severe photodamage.

METHODS: In this blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial, patients with multiple AK and field cancerization of the face or scalp were treated in 2 areas with IngMeb (0.015%) daily for 3 days. After finalized IngMeb treatment, 1 area was randomized to receive topical clobetasol propionate (0.05%) twice daily for 4 days. Assessments included LSR (0-24; days 1, 4, 8, 15, 57), pain (0-10) and pruritus (0-3; days 1-15), AK clearance (days 15, 57), and cosmetic outcome (0-3; day 57).

RESULTS: Clobetasol propionate application had no influence on LSR (P = .939), pain (P = .500), pruritus (P = .312), or AK cure rate (P = .991). Overall, IngMeb cleared 86% of all AK lesions, exerting a therapeutic effect on all AK severity grades; cure rates were 88%, 70%, and 60% for grade I, II, and III AK, respectively. Skin texture improved significantly in remedied areas (2.0 vs 1.0; P < .001); no hypopigmentation, hyperpigmentation, or scarring were observed.

LIMITATIONS: These results do not provide safety and efficacy beyond 2 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSION: Application of clobetasol propionate does not alleviate IngMeb-induced LSR after 3 days of IngMeb treatment.