Abstract | BACKGROUND:
Actinic keratosis lesions occur frequently on sun-exposed skin of Caucasians. They become more prevalent with advancing age and are important in identifying the risk factor of those people possibly predisposed to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Topical therapies are useful alternatives to cryotherapy for treating diffuse actinic damage and a number of preparations have been developed for treating actinic keratosis. OBJECTIVES: METHODS: We searched MEDLINE (1966 to October 2004) for relevant studies evaluating the efficacy of actinic keratosis topical agents imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil (0.5%, 1%, and 5%). Studies included in this meta-analysis required a dosage regimen that was not significantly different from that approved by Health Canada and the U.S. FDA. Studies also required a well-defined treatment duration and followup period, with the primary efficacy variable being the complete (100%) clearance of all actinic keratosis lesions defined as the proportion of patients at followup with no clinically visible lesions in the treatment area. To determine the average efficacy rate for both drugs, the data from each study were combined for that drug. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in the analysis. The average efficacy rate for each drug (with 95% confidence interval) was 5-fluorouracil, 52 +/- 18% (n = 6 studies, 145 subjects) and imiquimod, 70 +/- 12% (n = 4 studies, 393 subjects). CONCLUSIONS:
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Authors | Aditya K Gupta, Valerie Davey, Heather Mcphail |
Journal | Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery
(J Cutan Med Surg)
Vol. 9
Issue 5
Pg. 209-14
(Oct 2005)
ISSN: 1203-4754 [Print] United States |
PMID | 16502198
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review)
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Chemical References |
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
- Aminoquinolines
- Immunosuppressive Agents
- Interferon Inducers
- Ointments
- Imiquimod
- Fluorouracil
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Topics |
- Adjuvants, Immunologic
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Aminoquinolines
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
- Confidence Intervals
- Facial Dermatoses
(drug therapy)
- Fluorouracil
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Follow-Up Studies
- Humans
- Imiquimod
- Immunosuppressive Agents
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Interferon Inducers
(administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
- Keratosis
(drug therapy)
- Ointments
- Photosensitivity Disorders
(drug therapy)
- Scalp Dermatoses
(drug therapy)
- Time Factors
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