Topical All-Trans Retinoic Acid & Mortality / Lead Exposure, Aging, & Bone Loss
A clinical trial [ Veterans Affairs Topical Tretinoin Chemoprevention Trial (VATTC)] of topical all-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin, Retin-A) had to be halted because the intervention arm experienced higher mortality. The authors indicate that a causal relationship is unlikely, but the finding is a bit troubling nonetheless. The increase in mortality was not attributable to any one specific cause of death. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/711869 "We considered the possibility that topical tretinoin applied to the face and ears might be a cause of death. One study that was published during our trial involved systemic administration of isotretinoin, a closely related compound. That trial found a significant interaction between the medication and smoking in their effect on mortality, with isotretinoin therapy associated with increased mortality among smokers. 4 Studies involving a less closely related compound, beta carotene, have also suggested an