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CALVIN J. DILLAHA, MD; G. THOMAS JANSEN, MD; W. MAGE HONEYCUTT, MD; GEORGE ANN HOLT, BSE

Arch Dermatol. 1965;92(4):410-417.

Abstract
Actinic keratoses were treated with an ointment containing a 1%, 2.5%, or 5% concentration of 5-fluorouracil. The response with the 5% ointment was comparable to our original studies with 20% 5-fluorouracil ointment. The 1% and 2.5% concentrations were found ineffective.

Topical application of 5-fluorouracil labeled with radioactive carbon (¹⁴C) in five patients indicated that approximately 6% is absorbed systemically. These data along with repeated hematologic studies suggest that 5-fluorouracil ointment applied to limited skin areas is not absorbed in a degree that would produce general toxicity.

We have concluded that 5% 5-fluorouracil ointment applied twice daily can be used as an effective outpatient treatment in the person with numerous actinic keratoses of the face and neck. Prolonged observation will be required to assess the long term results of this treatment. Actinic keratoses on the hands and arms have not responded completely enough to justify this type of treatment.

One must avoid applications near the lid margins and mucocutaneous junctions. A phototoxic reaction precluded the ointments use when the patient anticipated prolonged sunlight exposure.

Author Affiliations
LITTLE ROCK, ARK

From the Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Clinical Research Center, University of Arkansas, and the Little Rock Veterans Administration Hospital.

Footnotes
Accepted for publication June 22, 1965.

Read before the 84th Annual Meeting, The American Dermatological Association, Inc., June 29, 1964, Kaanapali Bay, Maui, Hawaii.

Reprint requests to Division of Dermatology, University of Arkansas Medical Center, Little Rock, Ark 72201 (Dr. Dillaha).

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