title: What is the role of field-directed therapy in the treatment of actinic keratosis? Part 1: overview and investigational topical agents.
abstract: Actinic keratosis (AK) constitutes the initial epidermal lesion in a disease continuum that may progress to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A number of treatment options are available to clear lesions, and thus reduce the risk for progression. Field-directed approaches are primarily used to clear multiple AKs and subclinical lesions. Current field-directed approaches still have a number of unmet needs, and a number of investigational agents are being evaluated. Topical therapy can be improved by shortening treatment periods; enhancing tolerability, compliance, and patient satisfaction; reducing recurrence rates; and lowering cost. This 2-part review will explain the role of field-directed therapy in the treatment of AK. Part 1 focuses mainly on investigational agents that are being studied for topical patient-administered, field-directed therapy.
authors: The Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research, Aventura, Florida, USA.
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Berman
authors: David E
authors: DE
authors: Cohen
authors: Sadegh
authors: S
authors: Amini
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D055623:Keratosis, Actinic / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D055118:Medication Adherence; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*