Topical combined 5-fluorouracil and calcipotriene for actinic keratosis and superficial keratinocyte carcinoma: Modified Delphi expert panel recommendations from ITSCC.

BACKGROUND

Evidence on topical combined 5-fluorouracil/calcipotriene (5-FU/C) treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs), squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS), and superficial basal cell carcinoma is lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To develop an expert consensus regarding 5-FU/C treatment of AKs, SCCIS, and superficial basal cell carcinoma.

METHODS

Expert panelists were provided 5-FU/C literature review findings and survey results from International Immunosuppression and Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative clinician members who prescribe 5-FU/C.

RESULTS

Nine dermatologist/dermatologic surgeon International Immunosuppression and Transplant Skin Cancer Collaborative members with >5 years post-training experience or considerable clinical experience prescribing 5-FU/C participated in the panel. A 70% or higher concordance among respondents represented consensus. Key recommendations include: treating AKs with 5-FU/C twice daily for 4 to 5 days on the face/neck and 7 to 10 days on the scalp, trunk, and extremities; treating SCCIS with 5-FU/C twice daily for 7 to 10 days on the face/neck and 10 to 14 days on the scalp, trunk, and extremities; treating actinic cheilitis with 5-FU/C twice daily for 4 to 5 days; and no treatment modifications for patient immunosuppression.

LIMITATIONS: Small panel size and literature to date primarily including small, retrospective studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Dermatologists may consider implementation of expert panel recommendations for treatment of AKs, SCCIS, and sBCC with 5-FU/C while awaiting larger, high-quality studies.