Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2025

An In Vitro Approach to Photodynamic Therapy
Published on: August 17, 2018
International time trends and differences in topical actinic keratosis therapy utilization
Heather J Zhao1,2, Inna Ushcatz1,2, Mina Tadrous1,3
1Department of Medicine, Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
Actinic Keratoses (AK) are precancerous lesions that can lead to Squamous Cell Carcinoma. International differences in the utilization of topical medications to treat AK are not well described.
Objectives:
To describe international differences in topical AK medication utilization, including associations of countries' economic status with AK medication utilization.
Methods:
We used IQVIA MIDAS pharmaceutical sales data for 65 countries (42 high-income, 24 middle-income) from April 2011 to December 2021. We calculated each country's quarterly utilization of medications in grams per 1000 population. We used univariable linear regression to assess the association between country economic status and AK medication utilization.
Results:
High-income countries used 15.37 more grams per 1000 population of 5-fluorouracil (95% CI: 9.68, 21.05), 4.64 more grams per 1000 population of imiquimod (95% CI: 3.45, 5.83), and 0.32 more grams per 1000 population of ingenol mebutate (95% CI: 0.05, 0.60).
Limitations:
Missing medication utilization data for some countries.
Conclusion:
High-income countries use more topical AK therapies than middle-income countries.
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...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...

