Short-Term Intensive 5-Fluorouracil Treatment of Actinic Keratoses

Abstract

BACKGROUND: 5-Fluorouracil therapy is an efficacious treatment for actinic keratoses. However, the prolonged courses of therapy traditionally prescribed are unpleasant, uncomfortable, and can lead to noncompliance. OBJECTIVE: To treat patients with shorter courses of 5-fluorouracil therapy. METHODS: 5-Fluorouracil cream or solution is applied four times daily for periods varying between 7 and 21 days, depending upon the body location. RESULTS: The same brisk inflammatory reaction and clearing of the majority of actinic keratoses associated with longer courses of application twice daily is realized. CONCLUSION: 5-Fluorouracil can be applied four times daily for shorter periods of time, resulting in clearing of actinic keratoses and patient acceptability.