Published in:
Open Access 01-06-2006 | Report
Total body topical 5-fluorouracil for extensive non-melanoma skin cancer
Published in: International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy | Issue 3/2006
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Background
Topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream is one of␣the treatment modalities for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). There is a lack of suitable therapies to treat patients with extensive NMSC. In this paper we report two patients with extensive NMSC treated by total body application of topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream.
Observations
Topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream was applied twice daily to the total body, including normal appearing skin. During the treatment, weekly blood samples were taken for measurement of 5-fluorouracil levels. All samples showed a 5-fluorouracil level less than the detection level of 10 µg/l. Total body 5-fluorouracil 5% cream was shown to be an effective treatment in our patients; the majority of lesions cleared in both patients.
Conclusions
In conclusion, total body topical 5-fluorouracil 5% cream application was successful in two patients with extensive NMSC. No detectable serum level of 5-fluorouracil could be determined. Pain and secondary infections were important side effects in our patients. However, in patients with extensive NMSC this treatment may be considered.