NCT06358677 · University of Utah
Topical Tretinoin Prophylaxis for Anti-EGFR Induced Skin Toxicity in Patients With Solid Tumors
(FACE)
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if using topical tretinoin will help patients with solid tumors who are experiencing an acneiform rash as a side effect of their treatment. Researchers will compare the use of tretinoin on one side of the face to the use of a placebo on the other side of the face to see if there is an impact.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if using topical tretinoin will help patients with solid tumors who are experiencing an acneiform rash as a side effect of their treatment. Researchers will compare the use of tretinoin on one side of the face to the use of a placebo on the other side of the face to see if there is an impact.
Interventions
DRUG
Topical Tretinoin
Topical tretinoin will be applied to one half of the face, either left or right side. The side the topical tretinoin will be applied to will be randomized.
OTHER
Placebo
A placebo (topical moisturizer) will be applied to the other half of the face, either left or right side. The side the topical tretinoin will be applied to will be randomized.
Primary outcome measures
The maximum difference in modified Investigators Global Assessment (IGA) score between the treated and untreated sides of the face at any assessment.
Time frame: up to 6 weeks from the initiation of study therapy
Effect of topical tretinoin on anti-EGFR induced acneiform rash. Rash will be scored from 0-4 with 0 being clear skin and 4 being a severe rash.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Participant aged ≥ 18 years
- Histologically confirmed solid tumor.
- Radiologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic disease.
- Eligible for and willing to receive treatment with panitumumab or cetuximab as standard-of-care.
- ECOG Performance Status ≤ 2.
- Adequate organ function as defined as: --Hepatic:
- Total Bilirubin ≤ 1.5x institutional upper limit of normal (ULN)
- AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) ≤ 3 × institutional ULN ----Participants with liver metastases will be allowed to enroll with AST and ALT levels ≤ 5 x ULN.
- Negative pregnancy test for participants who have not undergone surgical sterilization or shown evidence of post-menopausal status. The following age-specific requirements apply: --\< 50 years of age:
- Amenorrheic for ≥ 12 months following cessation of exogenous hormonal treatments; and
- Luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the post-menopausal range for the institution; or
- Underwent surgical sterilization (bilateral oophorectomy or hysterectomy). --≥ 50 years of age:
- Amenorrheic for 12 months or more following cessation of all exogenous hormonal treatments; or
- Had radiation-induced menopause with last menses \>1 year ago; or
- Had chemotherapy-induced menopause with last menses \>1 year ago; or
- Underwent surgical sterilization (bilateral oophorectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, or hysterectomy).
- Participants of childbearing potential and participants with a sexual partner of childbearing potential must agree to use a highly effective method of contraception as described in Section 5.4.2.
- Must have recovered from adverse effects of any prior oncologic treatment (e.g. prior surgery, radiotherapy, or other antineoplastic therapy). CTCAE adverse events less than or equal to grade 1 are acceptable. CTCAE adverse events grade 2 or greater may be acceptable as determined by an investigator with appropriate documentation.
- Able to provide informed consent and willing to sign an approved consent form that conforms to federal and institutional guidelines.
Exclusion criteria
- Treatment with an anti-EGFR agent within 90 days of registration.
- Pre-existing facial rash that per the treating investigator would preclude the ability to assess response to topical tretinoin.
- The diagnosis of another malignancy within ≤ 2 years before study enrollment, except for those considered to be adequately treated with no evidence of disease or symptoms and/or will not require therapy during the study duration (i.e., basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, carcinoma in situ of the breast, bladder or of the cervix, or low-grade prostate cancer with Gleason Score ≤ 6).
- Any other condition that would, in the Investigator's judgment, contraindicate the participant's participation in the clinical study due to safety concerns or compliance with clinical study procedures.
- Systemic active infection including tuberculosis (clinical evaluation that includes clinical history, physical examination, radiographic findings, and TB testing in line with local practice), hepatitis B (known positive HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) result), or hepatitis C. --Note: Participants with a past or resolved HBV infection (defined as the presence of hepatitis B core antibody \[anti-HBc\] and absence of HBsAg) are eligible. Participants positive for hepatitis C (HCV) antibody are eligible only if polymerase chain reaction is negative for HCV RNA.
- Medical, psychiatric, cognitive, or other conditions that may compromise the participant's ability to understand the participant information, give informed consent, comply with the study protocol or complete the study.
- Known prior severe hypersensitivity to investigational product or any component in its formulations (CTCAE v5.0 Grade ≥ 3).
- Participants taking prohibited medications as described in Section 6.8.2. A washout period of prohibited medications for a period of at least five half-lives or as clinically indicated should occur before the start of treatment.
Where
- Salt Lake City, Utah
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations