Topical application of .alpha.-DFMO for preventing skin cancer

Abstract

A salve includes a water-miscible, hydrophilic cream vehicle, 1-22% by weight a-DFMO, and no absorption enhancer. The salve is preferably contained in an ointment tube permanently sealed at one end to preclude exposure to light and air. The salve is applied as a preventative in an appropriate amount twice daily to skin exposed to actinic radiation. An initial application of a salve including 10% by weight A-DFMO is preferred to minimize the risk of skin irritation without compromising the therapeutic value of the salve. The salve shows no systemic uptake, thereby eliminating systemic toxicities that result from other techniques for administering the drug.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.