Topical treatment of Bowen's disease with 5-Fluorouracil.

Authors :: Bargman H
Hochman J
Source :: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery [J Cutan Med Surg] 2003 Mar-Apr; Vol. 7 (2), pp. 101-5. Date of Electronic Publication: 2002 Nov 27.
Publication Year :: 2003
Abstract: Background: Bowen's disease is a common skin cancer. There are many different therapeutic approaches to treatment. Topical 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) cream has been used for many years and there are many published papers attesting to its effectiveness. However, no papers have presented long-term followup results with biopsy confirmation of cure.<br />Objectives: The purpose of this article is to present the long-term findings following the use of this cream in the treatment of Bowen's disease.<br />Methods: Twenty-four patients with 26 biopsy-confirmed lesions of Bowen's disease were treated with topical 5-Fluorouracil cream and were followed for periods of up to 10 years. Posttreatment biopsies were performed in most cases.<br />Results: Two of the 26 lesions treated topically recurred at some point. The rest were apparently cured.<br />Conclusion: The results presented in this article confirm that treatment of Bowen's disease with topical 5-Fluorouracil cream is safe and effective treatment.