Malodorous oozing lesions after local cancer treatment - ethacridine powder prevents local infection

A common problem in local cancer treatment is infection of the resulting superficial tumour necrosis. The malodorous oozing lesions not only severely interfere with the patient’s quality of life but may also result in serious sequelae such as accelerated wasting, sepsis, and death. We developed a new formulation of the well-known antiseptic drug Ethacridine lactate in powder form to prevent such infections in local antineoplastic therapy. In a pilot study, the powder was applied in four patients receiving either an intralesional treatment with a platinum-based gel in the course of a study or photodynamic therapy. In all four patients with cervical respectively facial wounds with a surface of up to 80 cm2 a virtually dry and odorless scabby lesion resulted with no signs of infection. These initial clinical experiences suggest that Ethacridine lactate powder may be of benefit in the prevention of infection in palliative intratumoural cancer treatment.