Topical pharmacotherapy for skin cancer: part I. Pharmacology.
Topical pharmacotherapy represents an effective alternative treatment for superficial skin cancer, primarily actinic keratoses and basal cell carcinomas. We provide an in-depth analysis of the pharmacologic aspects of available topical drugs for the treatment of primary skin tumors. In particular, we evaluate the mechanisms of action, formulations and indications, side effects, and contraindications of 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod, diclofenac, ingenol mebutate, and retinoids. Moreover, the characteristics of some investigational molecules (ie, resiquimod, piroxicam, dobesilate, and betulinic acid) are presented.
Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. Electronic address: cldermct@nti.it.
Giuseppe
G
Micali
Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Francesco
F
Lacarrubba
Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Maria Rita
MR
Nasca
Department of Dermatology, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey.
Robert A
RA
Schwartz
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality / Q000473:pathology*; D016019:Survival Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents
5-fluorouracil; betulinic acid; diclofenac; dobesilate; imiquimod; ingenol mebutate; piroxicam; resiquimod; retinoids; skin cancer