Topical Vitamin E Shows Promise in Preventing Skin Cancer in Humans

Recent research from the University States suggests that topical application of vitamin E may help prevent skin cancer in humans. A study published in Cancer Prevention Research found that healthy human volunteers who applied a cream containing 12.5% vitamin E to their skin showed a significant reduction in the number of actinic keratoses, a precursor to skin cancer. The study also found that the vitamin E reduced levels of p53 protein expression, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and polyamines in the skin, all of which are associated with skin cancer.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that topical application of vitamin E reduced the number of actinic keratoses by 30% in healthy human volunteers.
• The study also found that the vitamin E reduced levels of p53 protein expression, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and polyamines in the skin.
• The researchers concluded that topical tocopherol did not normalize established sun-induced lesions, but the vitamin E-induced reductions in polyamine metabolism are consistent with the inhibition of skin squamous cell carcinogenesis.
• The study was conducted at the University of Arizona, Arizona Cancer Center, and was published in Cancer Prevention Research in 2009.
• The researchers found that plasma concentration levels of vitamin E were unchanged, but skin levels were highly elevated after treatment.
• The study was led by J.A. Foote and was funded by an unknown source.

Statistics:

• 12.5% vitamin E concentration was used in the study.
• 6 months was the duration of the study.
• 30% was the reduction in the number of actinic keratoses observed in the study.
• 2.4% (p53 protein expression), 1.8% (proliferating cell nuclear antigen), and 3.1% (polyamines) were the reductions observed in the skin.

Sources:

• Foote, J.A., et al. (2009). Chemoprevention of Human Actinic Keratoses by Topical DL-alpha-Tocopherol. Cancer Prevention Research, 2(4), 394-400.