Current therapies for actinic keratosis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common skin condition resulting from chronic sun exposure.
• AKs are considered an early stage of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) due to their potential for malignant transformation.
• Effective treatment and clinical follow-up are crucial for managing AK and preventing SCC development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare various treatment options for actinic keratosis.
• To outline the aims of AK treatment, including lesion eradication, SCC prevention, and relapse reduction.
• To guide clinicians in selecting the most appropriate therapeutic approach for actinic keratosis.

Main Methods:

• This review categorizes treatments into lesion-directed and field-directed therapies.
• Lesion-directed treatments discussed include cryotherapy, laser therapy, surgery, and curettage.
• Field-directed treatments examined include 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), diclofenac 3% gel, chemical peeling, imiquimod, and photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Main Results:

• The review presents diverse treatment modalities for actinic keratosis.
• Characteristics and benefits of each therapeutic option are described.
• The review aims to identify the optimal treatment choice based on individual patient needs.

Conclusions:

• Actinic keratosis management involves addressing both existing lesions and the surrounding skin field.
• A combination of therapeutic interventions and preventative measures, such as sun protection, is recommended.
• Personalized treatment strategies are essential for effectively managing AK and reducing SCC risk.