
10/01/2025
Imagine a future without invasive treatments for skin cancer. A new cream could make it a reality.
Researchers at the University of Queensland are developing the world’s first skin cancer treatment cream, a revolutionary alternative to surgery and radiotherapy.
Designed primarily for organ transplant recipients, who are at a significantly higher risk of skin cancer due to immunosuppressive medications, the cream incorporates a unique drug that inhibits skin cancer formation.
The project, led by Associate Professor James Wells of the Frazer Institute, recently secured $344,000 in funding from the National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation to support essential pre-clinical development.
This innovative treatment, developed in collaboration with UniQuest’s QEDDI small molecule drug discovery initiative, offers a first-of-its-kind solution to both prevent and treat early-stage skin cancers.
“This project funding is crucial for advancing the cream through pre-clinical development, enabling us to create a safe and effective formulation for human use,” said Dr. Wells. Currently, no FDA-approved treatments specifically target squamous cell carcinomas in transplant patients, leaving many to rely on surgeries or risk cancer progression.
The team aims to address this gap by ensuring the cream is rigorously tested for safety and efficacy, with the ultimate goal of clinical trials.
Learn more:
Source 1: https://www.uq.edu.au/news/article/2024/11/life-changing-cream-treat-skin-cancer-moves-closer-reality
Source 2: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169409X19301930