Sequential CO₂ Laser and 5-Fluorouracil for Palliative Management of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer and, when unresectable, presents a therapeutic challenge. This study retrospectively analysed five multi-morbid patients with unresectable cSCC, some with multiple lesions, treated using CO₂ laser vaporization followed by intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) infiltration. All patients showed positive responses: two achieved complete clinical resolution, and three showed significant tumor reduction. No adverse effects were reported, and no local recurrences were observed at six months in those with resolved lesions. The combination of CO₂ laser and 5-FU, not previously reported, may represent a promising palliative option for selected patients with unresectable cSCC. Further studies are needed to validate its efficacy.