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Topical therapy for actinic keratoses: current and evolving therapies
1Department of Dermatology, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY 10025, USA. jmw27@columbia.edu
Reviews on Recent Clinical Trials
|April 9, 2008
Summary
Actinic keratoses (AKs), a type of skin cancer, can be treated with topical therapies. This review covers evolving options like 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac, colchicine, and retinoids for AK lesion management.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Cutaneous Neoplasms
Background:
- Actinic keratoses (AKs) are pre-malignant skin lesions with potential to evolve into squamous cell carcinoma.
- Current treatment modalities include physical/destructive methods and topical therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging topical therapeutic options for actinic keratoses.
- To provide an overview of the efficacy of various topical treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on topical treatments for AKs.
- Analysis of therapeutic options including 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac, colchicine, and retinoids.
Main Results:
- Several topical agents demonstrate significant benefit in alleviating AK lesions.
- Established and novel topical treatments offer viable alternatives to destructive methods.
Conclusions:
- Topical therapies represent a significant advancement in the management of actinic keratoses.
- The reviewed agents provide effective treatment options for this common skin condition.
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