Total body topical 5-fluorouracil for extensive non-melanoma skin cancer.
BACKGROUND
Topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream is one of the treatment modalities for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). There is a lack of suitable therapies to treat patients with extensive NMSC. In this paper we report two patients with extensive NMSC treated by total body application of topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream.


METHODS
Topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream was applied twice daily to the total body, including normal appearing skin. During the treatment, weekly blood samples were taken for measurement of 5-fluorouracil levels. All samples showed a 5-fluorouracil level less than the detection level of 10 microg/l. Total body 5- fluorouracil 5% cream was shown to be an effective treatment in our patients; the majority of lesions cleared in both patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, total body topical 5- fluorouracil 5% cream application was successful in two patients with extensive NMSC. No detectable serum level of 5-fluorouracil could be determined. Pain and secondary infections were important side effects in our patients. However, in patients with extensive NMSC this treatment may be considered.
van Ruth
Serge
S
Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Jansman
Frank G A
FG
Sanders
Cornelis J
CJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001478:Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018295:Neoplasms, Basal Cell / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D005472:Fluorouracil