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Selective cytotoxic effect of topical 5-fluorouracil
Archives of Dermatology
|September 1, 1983
Summary
A hydrophilic ointment with 20% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) effectively treated actinic keratoses on the face and neck. The treatment caused selective inflammation and disappearance of lesions with minimal impact on healthy skin.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Actinic keratoses (AKs) are common precancerous skin lesions.
- Effective topical treatments for extensive AKs are needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy and safety of a 20% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) hydrophilic ointment for treating facial and neck actinic keratoses.
Main Methods:
- A hydrophilic ointment containing 20% 5-FU was applied topically to patients with extensive facial and neck AKs for four weeks.
Main Results:
- The 5-FU ointment induced selective inflammation, erosion, and disappearance of actinic keratoses.
- Normal skin remained largely unaffected.
- Transient adverse reactions included ocular irritation and lip erosion; no systemic absorption was detected.
Conclusions:
- Topical 20% 5-FU demonstrates potential as a selective treatment for extensive actinic keratoses.
- Further long-term follow-up is required to assess sustained efficacy and safety.