Chemotherapy of psoriasis and other skin disorders with oral retinoids

In the 1981 paper, Tsambaos and Orfanos explored the use of synthetic oral retinoids, particularly Ro 10-9359 and 13-cis-retinoic acid, for treating skin disorders such as psoriasis, ichthyosis, Darier's disease, and acne. They reported that Ro 10-9359 was effective in managing severe forms of psoriasis, including pustular psoriasis, and could be combined with other treatments for chronic psoriasis vulgaris. It also showed promise in treating Darier's disease, severe acne, various ichthyotic conditions, and other skin disorders like lichen planus and plantar warts. Side effects were dose-dependent and reversible, including dryness, exfoliation, hair loss, and elevated serum lipids, with a particular note on teratogenic risks requiring contraceptive measures in women of childbearing age. Despite potential side effects, the authors concluded that these retinoids represent a significant advancement in dermatotherapy.