Subject: "Curaderm" from Australia? A patient brought me an article today from an alternative health care journal describing a product derived from a plant known as "Devil's Apple" that a Dr. Cham in Australia developed and found to be effective in eradicating AKs, BCCs, and SCCs in a fashion similar to 5-FU, but more effective. The trade name of this topical is "Curaderm." Per the report, it was originally OTC in Australia, then changed to prescription, and is still available. In the United States patients can order it from an English marketing company. This is the first I've heard of this product, and I greet it with the usual heightened scepticism. I wonder if any of our foreign friends, especially from Australia, can give me any feedback on their thoughts or experiences with this product? Scott D. Clark M.D. ========================================= From: FVJB41A@prodigy.com ( DANIEL M SIEGEL) Could you be refering to the Mayapple, also known as American mandrake (podophyllum peltatum), a source of podophyllin. This has been around a long time, as we all know, for condyloma accuminata, and in the distant past had some popularity as an anti-skin ca treatment regimen. There are a lot of (something) apples with interesting pharmacologic properties, but the Devils apple is new to me. Daniel Mark Siegel MD ====================================== From: Reviva@aol.com I also received a copy of this article about Curaderm from a patient of mine with Nevoid Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome. I faxed a query to a friend of mine who is a plastic surgeon in Melbourne last week, but have not heard from him as yet. When I get any information, I will pass it along. Jeff Marmelzat, M.D.- Los Angeles, CA ======================================== From: Christopher Clay Curaderm is listed in MIMS (the Aussie Physicians Desk Ref) for topical use on "sunspots, solar keratoses". The active ingredient is a mix of solasodine glycosides 0.005% derived from the Queensland Crab Apple?? or perhaps Devil's Apple. A colleague of mine uses it and I will ask about his experience. A thick layer is applied twice daily and covered with a dressing. Precautions include mucous membranes and large areas >5cm2. C/I melanomas and moles, pregnancy. I do not have the full version of MIMS at home but will look it up when I get to the office on Monday. Dr Cham is a biochemist or pharmacist in Qld. I think. I do not use it because it is significantly more expensive than 5FU and is no better to my knowledge. It was originally announced with a fanfare and it appeared that it may be available OTC. Of course, the citizens of Queensland can rub the fruit on their skin for nothing! Hope this is helpful. Christopher D Clay FACD ============================================ From: Christopher Clay Just an addendum. The company that manufactures Curaderm is: Cura Nominees Pty Ltd Suite 14, 1645 Ipswich Road ROCKLEA QLD 4106 Ph 617 3274 4452 Fax 617 3274 4453 Christopher D Clay FACD ================================== From: CLARK3325@aol.com As some have inquired more about the specifics of the plant that Curaderm is derived from, I offer this additional information from the "Alternatives" journal article: "Locals" refer to the weed as Devil's Apple or Kangaroo Apple; however, the more correct reference is Sodom's Apple. (Solanum sodomaeum) Also in the Solanum family are the plants aubergine and eggplant. ======================================= From: Reviva@aol.com I received today a letter from G.I Beardmore, a Melbourne Dermatologist re Curaderm. He was associated with 2 studies on the use of Curaderm. He reported these studies in M.J Australia (1981) August, pp204,5 and M.J. Australia (1989) 150: 46-47 (August). This is apparently the only relevant research published in a reputable journal. Jeff Marmelzat, M.D. ========================================= From: WHWoodII@aol.com What were the results of these studies? A patient of mine brought in a copy of that September 1995 issue of "ALTERNATIVES For the Health Conscious Individual" published by Mountain Home Publishing, 2700 Cummings Lane, Kerrville, TX 78028, editor: Dr. David G. Williams. The article is titled "The Skin Cancer Cure Nobody Wants You To Know About" and it describes Curaderm as "virtually 100% effective" for solar keratoses, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, even large ones. He then says "through an intense lobbying effort, the medical community in Australia had the Therapeutic Goods Administration (equivalent to the FDA) reclassify the cream as a prescription item, severely limiting access to the medication." He says that information is being suppressed because there is too much money at stake treating skin cancer with expensive surgery. Does anyone know about any current research on solasodine or other glycoalkaloid creams for skin cancer? Surely if it worked as well as Dr. Williams says it does, the pharmaceutical companies would be intensely investigating. But then again, they don't seem to be intensely investigating silymarin for toxic mushroom poisoning or other liver disorders. Walter H. Wood, M.D. ============================