Prophylactic treatment of UV-induced epidermal neoplasia
The present invention provides a method of protecting a subject against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia. Generally, the method includes administering to a subject an IRM compound in an amount effective to provide protection against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia. The present invention also provides compositions that include an IRM compound in an amount effective for providing protection against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia.
1. A method of protecting a subject against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia, the method comprising prophylactic administration to a subject of an immune response modifier (IRM) compound having a 2-aminopyridine fused to a five membered nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring in an amount effective to provide protection against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia, wherein the IRM compound is administered topically before or during UV exposure to skin not having clinically evident epidermal neoplasia.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the subject is a mammal.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the subject is a human.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the UV-induced epidermal neoplasia is selected from the group consisting of melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, actinic keratosis, and pre-actinic keratosis lesions.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein administering the IRM compound protects against epidermal neoplasia induced by UVA or UVB.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the formulation comprises from about 0.0001% to about 10% IRM compound, by weight.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the formulation further comprises an adjuvant.
8. The method of claim 1 wherein the topical formulation is a cream, an ointment, an aerosol formulation, a non-aerosol spray, a gel, or a lotion.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the formulation further comprises at least one sunscreen agent.
10. The method of claim 1 wherein the formulation further comprises a cosmetic.