Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Adherence to topical therapies in actinic keratosis: A literature review
Peter Foley1, Eggert Stockfleth2, Ketty Peris3
1a Department of Medicine (Dermatology) , The University of Melbourne, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne and Skin & Cancer Foundation Inc. , Carlton , VIC , Australia.
Background:
Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin condition, for which topical therapies are frequently prescribed. This review summarises current understanding of patient adherence and persistence to topical AK treatment by identifying literature relating to measures of adherence and persistence and influencing factors.
Methods:
A multi-database literature search was conducted (2004-2015) using key search terms. Supplementary searches of pivotal clinical trials and reference lists of eligible papers were also conducted.
Results:
Non-adherence and non-persistence rates varied between real-world studies (10-63% and 23-31%, respectively), with combined non-adherence and non-persistence reported as high as 88%. Methods to calculate adherence and persistence differed between studies. Adherence and persistence were generally higher in clinical trials than clinical practice. Key contributing factors to non-adherence and non-persistence to AK treatment were identified as: treatment duration, severity and persistence of local skin responses and patient confusion over treatment regimens.
Conclusion:
The review highlighted a significant evidence gap regarding adherence and persistence to topical AK therapies. Combined, non-adherence and non-persistence may be as high as 88% in clinical practice, highlighting the importance of incorporating contributing factors to patient non-adherence into treatment decisions.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Acne Infection
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

