The study investigators posit equal or better results with topical imiquimod and topical fluorouracil, but our author raises some points to consider.
What is the best nonsurgical treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC)? In this multicenter trial performed at seven hospitals in the Netherlands, the investigators enrolled 601 patients with superficial BCC in a comparison of three treatments: methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT; 2 treatments 1 week apart), imiquimod cream (5 times a week for 6 weeks), or fluorouracil cream (twice a day for 4 weeks). The proportion of tumor-free patients at both 3 months and 12 months were 72.8% (95% confidence interval, 66.8–79.4) with MAL-PDT, 83.4% (95% CI, 78.2–88.9) with imiquimod, and 80.1% (95% CI, 74.7–85.9) with fluorouracil.
Reviewing Author
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)
DisclosuresConsultant / Advisory boardAmway
Editorial boards JAMA Dermatology; Dermatologic Surgery; Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology; Lasers in Medical Science; Skin Therapy Letter
Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Health Care Finance Committee); American College of Mohs Surgery (Board of Directors); American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (Board of Directors)