Long-term follow-up of larynx leukoplakia under treatment with retinyl palmitate

Issing W.J., Struck R., Naumann A.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Munich, Munich, Germany.

HEAD & NECK 1996, November-December 18: pp. 560-565

Vit. A 20 (1-13-2)

Czech translation of abstract

A total of 20 patients with the presence of larynx leukoplakia entered the study. They underwent induction therapy with a high dose of retinyl palmitat ( A-Mulsin Hochkonzentrat ^TM , Mucos Pharma, Geretstried, Germany ) 300,000 IU/day for the first week escalating in some who showed only minor side-effects up to 1,500,000 IU/day in the fifth week. Patients were evaluated for toxic reactions on the basis of subjective and objective symptoms and by assessment of blood parameters. All but 4 had at least low-grade toxic reactions,severe or intolerable toxic effects were not observed. The outcome of treatment was assessed clinically and a colour photograph of the larynx was taken by indirect laryngoscopy. The response appeared as a thinning of the lesion of leukoplakia, with a reduction in the whitish surface area and a return of pink and red epithelium. Subsequently, the lesions went on to decrease in size. Overall, 75% of patients had a complete response with no recurrences and 25% a partial response. The results of therapy were not affected by tobacco use.