Isotretinoin vs. Doxycycline for Acneiform Rash

This study is looking at two different medicines, isotretinoin and doxycycline, to see which one works better at treating a specific skin rash called an "acneiform rash." This rash can happen when people are taking certain cancer treatments that target the MAPK pathway (a specific way cancer cells grow). You might be able to join if you are between 12 and 39 years old and have developed a moderate to severe acneiform rash from these cancer treatments. The main goal is to see how many people's rashes improve after 12 weeks of treatment with either isotretinoin or doxycycline. The study is currently not recruiting new participants.

Study design: This interventional study plans to enroll 50 participants to compare the effectiveness of isotretinoin and doxycycline. It is not specified if participants will know which drug they are receiving.
What's involved: You would take either isotretinoin or doxycycline orally for up to 12 weeks. You would also have blood drawn, photographs taken of your rash, and complete questionnaires.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: The main outcome is measured up to 12 weeks after treatment. The study also plans to evaluate the need for retreatment 3 months after stopping the study treatment.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

Isotretinoin vs. Doxycycline for Acneiform Rash in Patients Receiving Drugs That Target the MAPK Pathway

Not Yet Recruiting

PHASE2Ages 12–39InterventionalTreatment

University of California, San Francisco

~50 participants

Updated 2026-06-05 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:IsotretinoinDoxycyclineBlood specimen collectionPhotographs of RashQuestionnairesStool Specimen collection

At a glance

Recruiting sites

0 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Proportion of Participants who experienced acneiform rash

Measured over Up to 12 weeks following treatment

Conditions

Acneiform Drug Eruption

Acneiform Eruptions

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states

California1

Study leadership

Sabine Mueller, MD, PhD, MAS · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of California, San Francisco

Who to contact

Jannerfer An

[email protected]

877-827-3222

Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Acneiform rash will be defined according to CTCAE v5.0 as a disorder characterized by an eruption of papules and pustules, typically appearing in face, scalp, upper chest and back.

Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) for age; in presence of Gilbert's syndrome, total bilirubin \< 3 x ULN or direct bilirubin \< 1.5 x ULN

alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 3 x ULN

aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≤ 3 x ULN.

Serum triglycerides \< 500 mg/dL or \< 5.7 mmol/L 5. Due to the harmful effects of isotretinoin and doxycycline on the developing human fetus women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (as recommended by the iPLEDGE system if residing in the United States for those who will take isotretinoin) prior to study entry, for the duration of study participation, and one (1) month after completion of isotretinoin and doxycycline administration. If a participant requires contraception, they will require two forms of contraception as outlined by the iPLEDGE system. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. The proper steps in the iPLEDGE system must also be taken. 6. Participants must be able and willing to take a gelatin capsule. 7. Participants must be able to swallow pills. 8. A legal parent/guardian or participant must be able to understand, and willing to sign, a written informed consent and assent document, as appropriate.

What this trial measures

Proportion of Participants who experienced acneiform rashUp to 12 weeks following treatment
The proportion of participants who experience a Grade \< 2 acneiform rash at week 12 while receiving non-investigational treatment for cancer that targets the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as classified by the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE version 5.0) and 95% confidence interval will be reported.

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