Therapeutic Efficacy of Topical 5-Fluorouracil vs. Topical Imiquimod vs. Cryosurgery for Single-Lesion Actinic Keratosis in Korea
- Author:
Sung Jin PARK
1
;
Yoon Jae KIM
;
Jun Hyuk CHO
;
Dai Hyun KIM
;
Hyo Hyun AHN
;
Soo Hong SEO
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2023;61(1):29-35
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous cutaneous lesion. There are various AK treatment methods; however, no specific method is considered superior. Most existing studies on AK treatment are Caucasian-based and include patients with multiple lesions.
Objective:This study aimed to compare the treatment duration, financial costs, and success rates of topically applied 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) solution, 5% imiquimod (IMIQ) cream, and cryosurgery in the treatment of histologically proven single-lesion AK in Korean patients.
Methods:We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with single-lesion AK at a single Korean center from January 2018 to February 2021. Each patient was treated using the three aforementioned local treatments.
Results:The study included 58 patients. Nineteen of 23 (82.6%), 27 of 27 (100%), and eight of eight patients (100%) were successfully treated after topical 5-FU, topical IMIQ, and cryosurgery, respectively. Further analysis on treatment success by subgroup revealed the following: mean number of outpatient visits, 3.78 vs. 4.41 vs. 3.75;mean treatment duration, 5.79 vs. 6.00 vs. 9.38 weeks; and mean total treatment cost, 79,380 vs. 170,023 vs. 173,116 won; for the 5-FU, IMIQ, and cryosurgery subgroups, respectively. The total treatment cost was significantly different among the subgroups (p≤0.001).
Conclusion:Topical IMIQ and cryosurgery were superior in terms of treatment efficacy, but considering its low cost, 5-FU may also be a reasonable option. Hence, an individualized approach to treating localized AK should be taken.
