title: Ingenol mebutate: an introduction.
abstract: The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer continues to increase. While surgical excision remains the mainstay of treatment, growing demand from patients for effective, tissue-sparing approaches with good cosmetic results has led to the development of novel therapeutic agents. Several studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of topical ingenol mebutate gel, a derivative of the plant Euphorbia peplus, in the treatment of actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma. An understanding of the history, mechanism of action, and recent trial evidence for this emerging therapy can assist physicians in counseling patients on available treatment options and in selecting appropriate therapy.
authors.affiliation: Skin Centre for Dermatology and Skin Laser Clinic, Peterborough, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Robyn S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Fallen
authors.forename: Melinda
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gooderham
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D004224:Diterpenes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028481:Euphorbia / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D055623:Keratosis, Actinic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery
chemical_list: C486592:3-ingenyl angelate; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D004224:Diterpenes