The effect of intralesional 5-fluorouracil therapeutic implant (MPI 5003) for treatment of basal cell carcinoma.

Background: Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are usually treated with ablative procedures. A nonsurgical treatment alternative would be of value in selected patients.
Objective: We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a new preparation for intralesional sustained-release chemotherapy with MPI 5003, 5-Fluorouracil Therapeutic Implant, for treatment of BCCs.
Methods: Two doses of intralesional MPI 5003 (0.25 and 0.5 ml) were compared in a double-blind study of 20 patients with biopsy-proven BCC. One BCC per patient was treated weekly for up to 6 weeks and followed up monthly for 3 months until excisional biopsy for histologic examination. Before excision the cosmetic appearance of the test site was graded.
Results: Eighty percent of 10 BCCs treated with 0.5 ml of MPI 5003 had histologically confirmed cures as compared with 60% of 10 tumors treated with the lower dose (0.25 ml). Cosmetic assessments before excision were typically good to excellent. No systemic side effects occurred.
Conclusion: Results indicate the potential of MPI 5003 for targeted local chemotherapy for BCC.