Considerations for use of Fluorouracil cream 0.5% for the treatment of actinic keratosis in elderly patients.

Actinic keratosis (AK), the initial lesion in a disease continuum that may progress to squamous cell carcinoma, often begins with ultraviolet B light-induced photo damage and increases in prevalence with age. Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for the treatment of widespread multiple AK lesions has cure rates of more than 90 percent. The associated skin irritation, however, may lead patients to prematurely discontinue treatment. To improve treatment efficacy and tolerability, 5-FU cream 0.5%, a novel Microsponge(®)-based formulation, was developed. In the elderly population, 5-FU cream 0.5% may be preferable because of its convenient (once daily) administration and its lower potential for irritation and systemic absorption, which may impact adherence to therapy and, thus, possibly increase cure rates.