[Therapeutic results of 5-fluorouracil in multiple and unresectable facial carcinoma secondary to xeroderma pigmentosum].

Abstract

A prospective study was done to test the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (topical and systemic) in multiple and unresectable histologically proven facial squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) secondary to XP. Twelve patients (7M/5F, mean age 19.8 years) with multiple facial SCC were treated between 1994 and 1997. 5-FU was used as a twice-a-day local application in the documented areas, by continuous infusion associated with cisplatin (2 patients) and short infusion combined with folic acid (3 patients). Evaluation was done by clinical examination every two months for topical therapy and after every cycle for systemic treatment. Median treatment duration was 12 months (2 to 36 months). Treatment was well tolerated excluding episodes of pruritus in the treated areas. We observed mainly superficial tumour regression followed by dryness and crusting. In 5 cases, we performed biopsies after treatment showing in one case an extensive fibrosis with absence of tumour. However in the remaining 4 cases, despite a superficial reduction of tumour and a reconstitution of the epidermis, viable and unmodified squamous cell carcinoma remained in the deeper dermis. In the 5 patients treated by systemic 5-FU, we observed 1 complete response and 3 partial responses. Despite a dissociation between a good cosmetic result and a relatively superficial effect, topical 5-FU represents a useful therapeutic option in multiple unresectable facial SCC in patients with XP. Systemic chemotherapy is recommended in the event of more extended or profound lesions.

• Authors: H Boussen, J Zwik, I Mili-Boussen, N Rammeh, N Bouaouina, S Gritli, A el May, M R Kammoun, A Ouertani, A Ladgham
• Journal: Therapie (Therapie) 2001 Nov-Dec Vol. 56 Issue 6 Pg. 751-4 ISSN: 0040-5957 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Résultats thérapeutiques du 5-fluorouracile dans les carcinomes multiples ou non resécables de la face secondaires au xeroderma pigmentosum (XP).
• PMID: 11878102 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
• Fluorouracil

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (drug therapy, secondary)
• Facial Neoplasms (drug therapy, secondary)
• Female
• Fluorouracil (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Skin Neoplasms (pathology)
• Xeroderma Pigmentosum (pathology)