title: A clinical comparison and long-term follow-up of topical 5-fluorouracil versus laser resurfacing in the treatment of widespread actinic keratoses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Many treatment modalities exist for actinic keratoses (AK). Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been one of the standard treatments. Laser resurfacing is a more recent treatment option. In the literature prospective randomized studies comparing these treatments are lacking.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective randomized study to compare topical 5-FU with Er:YAG laser resurfacing. Fifty-five patients with multiple AK on the scalp and or the face were included. Clinical and histopathological evaluation took place at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, there were significantly less recurrences in the laser group compared to the group of patients treated with 5-FU. Side effects did occur more frequently in the laser group, especially erythema and hypopigmentation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Compared to treatment with topical 5-FU, Er:YAG laser resurfacing is more effective regarding recurrence rates. Although significantly more side effects occur, laser resurfacing is a useful therapeutic option especially in patients with widespread AK.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Judith U
authors.initials: JU
authors.lastname: Ostertag
authors.forename: Patricia J F
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Quaedvlieg
authors.forename: Simone
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: van der Geer
authors.forename: Patty
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Nelemans
authors.forename: Miranda E M C
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Christianen
authors.forename: Martino H A M
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.forename: Gertruud A M
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Krekels
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005145:Face; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012535:Scalp; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D005472:Fluorouracil