Artesunate Ointment for the Treatment of High Grade Vulvar Intraepithelial Neoplasia (HSIL VIN2/3)

Phase I open-label dose escalation study of topical artesunate, formulated as ointment, in the treatment of adult females with biopsy-confirmed HSIL VIN2/3. Fifteen (15) subjects will undergo up to a total of three cycles of topical artesunate. The first cycle will be initiated on Day 0, the second at Week 2, and the third and final cycle at week 4.

Primary Objective:

To evaluate the safety and tolerability of artesunate ointment applied topically on VIN2/3 lesions

To measure the effect of artesunate ointment on histologic regression of HSIL/VIN2/3 to VIN1 or less, confirmed by a colposcopically-directed biopsy, at study week 15.

Inclusion criteria

• Colposcopically-directed biopsy diagnosis of high-grade vulvar dysplasia (VIN2, VIN3, VIN2/3, HSIL), including both new and recurrent disease.
• Females of childbearing potential: negative urine pregnancy test
• Ability to provide informed consent
• Ability to collaborate with planned follow-up (transportation, compliance history, etc.)
• Use of contraception through the study exit visit (week 28)

Exclusion criteria

• Concomitant use of any topical immune modulating agents e.g. imiquimod, Aldara ®
• Cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count < 200 at the time of screening for eligibility.
• Unable to provide informed consent
• Currently receiving systemic chemotherapy or radiation therapy for another cancer.
• Pregnant females
• Concurrent dermatological disorders involving the vulva (i.e., herpes, ulceration secondary to Crohn's disease) or vulvar dermatosis (i.e., lichen planus, lichen sclerosus, or lichen simplex chronicus);
• Women weighing less than 50 kg