Could a gel cut down on skin cancer surgeries? new trial investigates

NCT ID NCT04155190

First seen Jul 21, 2026 · Last updated Jul 22, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests a gel called patidegib applied to the face twice daily for 9 months in people who develop many basal cell carcinomas (a common skin cancer) but do not have Gorlin syndrome. The goal is to see if the gel reduces the number of new skin cancers that would normally require surgery. Half of the 50 participants receive the active gel, and half receive a placebo gel with no active ingredient.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
patidegib topical gel, 2%
What this could lead to
If effective, patidegib gel could offer a non-surgical way to reduce the number of new basal cell carcinomas on the face, potentially decreasing the need for repeated surgeries.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial with only 50 participants, so results may not confirm benefit. The gel may cause skin irritation or other side effects, and it is not yet proven to work better than a placebo.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Axiom Research, LLC

    Apple Valley, California, 92307, United States

  • Axiom Research, LLC

    Colton, California, 92324, United States

  • Center for Dermatology Clinical Research, Inc.

    Fremont, California, 94538, United States

  • Dermatology Research Associates

    Los Angeles, California, 90045, United States

  • Duke University Medical Center

    Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States

  • Grekin Skin Institute

    Warren, Michigan, 48088, United States

  • Leavitt Medical Associates of Florida

    Ormond Beach, Florida, 32174, United States

  • Palm Beach Dermatology Research

    Delray Beach, Florida, 33484, United States

  • PellePharm Investigative Site

    Saint Augustine, Florida, 32080, United States

  • PellePharm Investigative Site

    Henderson, Nevada, 89052, United States

  • Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of NY&NJ

    Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601, United States

  • The Dermatology Center of Newport

    Newport Beach, California, 92660, United States

  • The Indiana Clinical Trials Center

    Plainfield, Indiana, 46168, United States

  • University of Utah

    Murray, Utah, 84107, United States