Topical treatment of actinic keratoses with low-dose 5-fluorouracil in combination with salicylic acid--pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Actinic keratoses (AK) are carcinomas in situ and can progress to invasive squamous cell carcinomas. Treatment of actinic keratoses can be achieved by physical ablation, chemotherapeutic agents, immunomodulators or photodynamic therapy.


METHODS
We conducted a proof of concept study with 15 patients. Overall 66 actinic keratoses were treated with 5-FU (0.5%) and salicylic acid (10%) for 4 weeks (3 times per week).


RESULTS
After 12 weeks complete response of 47 AK (77%), partial response of 13 AK (21%) and non-response of 1 AK (2%) were achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment was well tolerated and efficient.
Schlaak
Max
M
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergy, University of Leipzig, Germany. max.schlaak@uk-koeln.de
Simon
Jan C
JC
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D055623:Keratosis, Actinic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020156:Salicylic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D020156:Salicylic Acid; D005472:Fluorouracil