Low‐dose 5‐fluorouracil in combination with salicylic acid for the treatment of actinic keratoses on the hands and/or forearms – results of a non‐interventional study

Background As an in situ carcinoma, actinic keratoses should be treated early. Previous studies on the efficacy of a low‐dose 0.5% 5‐fluorouracil solution in combination with 10% salicylic acid (low‐dose 5‐ FU / SA ) are mostly related to lesions appearing on the head and face. In contrast, actinic keratoses ( AK ) lesions of the upper extremities are considered to be difficult to treat. Objective The efficacy of low‐dose 5‐ FU / SA in the treatment of actinic keratoses on the hands and/or forearms was studied for the first time in this non‐interventional study ( NIS ) under practical conditions in a large patient population. In addition to the clinical course during therapy and a follow‐up period, the length of application and adherence were documented. Methods As part of this NIS , 649 patients with AK were treated at 207 centres with low‐dose 5‐ FU / SA . The data of the study were recorded at baseline, optionally during an intermediate examination, at the end of therapy and during a final assessment. Results The average number of AK lesions decreased during the entire observation period by 92%. Side‐effects were documented only rarely in the form of local skin reactions (2%). The attending physicians assessed the efficacy, tolerability and safety of the therapy as being predominantly very good or good (in each case ≥90%). Conclusion AK lesions on the hands and/or forearms were effectively treated with low‐dose 5‐ FU / SA under routine conditions in dermatological practice and the treatment was well tolerated.