Research into possible facial creams containing the medicine rapamycin have found that they are effective for reducing facial tumours in people with tuberous sclerosis complex. The full article can be read here, at UT Health.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic condition that causes benign (non-cancerous) tumours to grow. The tumours can affect many different areas of the body, including the face, brain, eyes, kidneys, and other organs. Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. have TSC, which is caused by a variation in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene that is present from birth. It is common for only one family member to develop TSC. The condition varies in severity, depending on how the tumours affect the body. Some people develop associated conditions, such as epilepsy, learning difficulties, breathing problems, kidney malfunction, and others.

Approximately 90% of people with TSC develop benign tumours on their face, which can affect their confidence and quality of life. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Centre have tested a facial cream that could reduce the appearance of tumours on the face. While some other treatments are available, such as laser surgery, the after effects are often painful.

The study into the facial cream, which is published in JAMA Dermatology, was was carried out in multiple centres and involved 179 participants with TSC. Three creams were tested: two that contained rapamycin and one that did not. After using the treatment for six months, 80% of patients who had been using the rapamycin cream showed a significant improvement in the tumours compared to 25% of people who used the rapamycin-free formula. Rapamycin has previously been found to treat tumours in the brain caused by TSC. TSC is caused by a malfunction of the mTOR protein, which rapamycin acts upon.

However, more research is needed to further investigate the effectiveness and safety of rapamycin as a topical facial cream treatment for TSC-related facial tumours. Researchers still need to better understand the long-term effects of the drug as a facial cream, the best dosage, and whether it should be used in conjunction with other medicines.

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