5% 5-Fluorouracil cream for the treatment of small superficial Basal cell carcinoma: efficacy, tolerability, cosmetic outcome, and patient satisfaction.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Five percent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream is approved by the FDA for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas but has been underutilized.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability, cosmetic outcome, and patient satisfaction of 5% 5-FU in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A total of 29 patients with 31 biopsy-proven superficial basal cell carcinoma lesions on the trunk or limbs were treated with 5% 5-FU cream twice daily for up to 12 weeks. Treatment could be stopped sooner if the lesion was clinically resolved. The lesional site was surgically excised 3 weeks after the end of treatment for histologic evaluation of cure. RESULTS The histologic cure rate was 90% (28/31 lesions cured) and the mean time to clinical cure was 10.5 weeks. 5-FU was generally well tolerated with a good cosmetic outcome-the majority of patients had no pain or scarring and only mild erythema. Patients were generally very satisfied with their treatment.

CONCLUSION:

Five percent 5-FU is a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment option for superficial basal cell carcinomas offering a generally good cosmetic outcome and high levels of patient satisfaction.

• Authors: Kenneth Gross, Leon Kircik, Greg Kricorian
• Journal: Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] (Dermatol Surg) Vol. 33 Issue 4 Pg. 433-9; discussion 440 (Apr 2007) ISSN: 1076-0512 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17430377 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
• Ointments
• Fluorouracil

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Carcinoma, Basal Cell (drug therapy, pathology)
• Fluorouracil (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Humans
• Ointments
• Patient Satisfaction
• Skin Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)