Tropomyosin Receptor kinase Antagonism in Cylindromatosis (TRAC)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Topical tropomysin kinase (TRK) inhibitor as a treatment for inherited CYLD defective skin tumours (TRAC)
IRAS ID
151395
Contact name
Neil Rajan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Eudract number
2014-001342-21
Research summary
This project aims to evaluate the ability of a new ointment to treat an inherited skin tumour condition. Patients in families with this condition carry an error in their DNA that results in the development of multiple skin tumours on the face, scalp and trunk. These tumours (collectively called CYLD defective tumours) are disfiguring, can be painful, and may ulcerate and bleed. Surgery is the only available treatment, and up to 1 in 4 patients with this condition undergo removal of their entire scalp to manage this condition.
We have recently discovered an abnormal signal in the tumour cells called TRK. This signal is recognised to give tumour cells the ability to survive, and blocking it with drugs called TRK inhibitors result in the tumour cells dying in laboratory tests. We propose a trial of an ointment form of TRK inhibitor as a means to reduce tumour growth in these patients. We have partnered with a drug company (Creabilis) who have already produced this ointment (called CT327) for trials in skin conditions. Should this be effective, it potentially could be used by patients in the future to treat early tumours and reduce the number of operations they would otherwise undergo.REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NE/1080
Date of REC Opinion
4 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion