[Topical chemotherapy for actinic keratosis and nonmelanoma skin cancer: current options and future perspectives]

Abstract

Actinic keratosis is currently considered not to be a precursor of squamous cell carcinoma but, rather, an initial stage of the disease. Furthermore, the incidence of both squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma continues to increase. Topical drugs are now becoming widely used in the therapeutic management of nonmelanoma skin cancer and its precursor lesions. Here, we review the various topical drugs that are currently available and discuss their advantages and drawbacks. Therapeutic options include retinoids, 5-fluoracil, diclofenac, imiquimod, and photodynamic therapy.