Using Timolol to treat nail infections caused by cancer medications

Efficacy and Safety of add-on Topical Timolol in the Management of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-induced Paronychia: A Prospective Randomized Open-labelled Trial

Phase 3 Interventional Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong · NCT06140186

This study is testing if adding a gel called timolol to a standard treatment can help adults with nail infections caused by cancer medications feel better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorQueen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsamivantamab, gefitinib, erlotinib, afatinib, osimertinib, dacomitinib, mobocertinib
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06140186 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of adding topical timolol 0.5% gel to betamethasone valerate 0.1% for treating paronychia induced by EGFR-TKI medications. Eligible participants, aged 18 and older, who have developed paronychia as a side effect of EGFR-TKI treatment, will be randomly assigned to receive either the combination treatment or standard care with betamethasone alone. The treatment will be applied twice daily for one month, with occlusion to enhance absorption. The primary goal is to determine if the addition of timolol improves outcomes for patients suffering from this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are experiencing paronychia as a side effect of EGFR-TKI medications.

Not a fit: Patients who are allergic to topical timolol or those who are pregnant or nursing may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly alleviate the painful symptoms of paronychia for patients undergoing EGFR-TKI therapy.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of timolol for paronychia is not widely studied, similar approaches using topical treatments for skin conditions have shown promise in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18 years or above, either males or females.
2. Received EGFR-TKI, namely gefitinib, erlotinib, afatinib, osimertinib, amivantamab, dacomitinib and mobocertinib.
3. Paronychia (fingernails, toenails, or both) as an adverse event from EGFR-TKI use.
4. Written informed consent obtained from patient.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age below18.
2. Patients who are allergic to, or contraindicated to topical timolol use.
3. Pregnant women or nursing mother.
4. Non-consenting patients.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ParonychiaEGFR TKITimolol
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.