Guidelines of care for actinic keratoses. Committee on Guidelines of Care

Ingenol mebutate treatment in actinic keratosis - clinical effectiveness and potential side effects

Introduction

Actinic keratosis is a common skin disease that occurs in response to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. This problem affects up to 60% of the population over 40 years of age. Actinic keratosis is considered to be a precancerous lesion leading to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The new therapeutic option for the treatment of actinic keratosis is ingenol mebutate gel (0.015%, 0.05%).

Aim

Retrospective evaluation of response and potential side effects of ingenol mebutate treatment in clinical practice.

Material and methods

Eight patients with actinic keratosis lesions on the face or scalp self-applied a 0.015% gel for 3 consecutive days on the 25 cm² marked area. They were assessed at baseline and on day 4, 7, 14 and 57.

Results

All patients on day 57 presented a complete absence of AK lesions in the area of ingenol mebutate application. No adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Our study shows that ingenol mebutate is highly efficacious field treatment for actinic keratosis.

Use and Cost of Actinic Keratosis Destruction in the Medicare Part B Fee-for-Service Population, 2007 to 2015

Importance

Actinic keratosis is prevalent and has the potential to progress to keratinocyte carcinoma. Changes in the use and costs of actinic keratosis treatment are not well understood in the aging population.

Objective

To evaluate trends in the use and costs of actinic keratosis destruction in Medicare patients.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A billing claims analysis was performed of the Medicare Part B Physician/Supplier Procedure Summary Master Files and National Summary Data of premalignant skin lesion destructions performed from 2007 to 2015 among Medicare Part B fee-for-service beneficiaries.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Mean number of actinic keratosis lesions destroyed and associated treatment payments in 2015 US dollars estimated per 1000 Medicare Part B fee-for-service beneficiaries. Data analysis was performed from November 2017 to July 2018.

Results

More than 35.6 million actinic keratosis lesions were treated in 2015, increasing from 29.7 million in 2007. Treated actinic keratosis lesions per 1000 beneficiaries increased from 917 in 2007 to 1051 in 2015, while mean inflation-adjusted payments per 1000 patients decreased from $11 749 to $10 942 owing to reimbursement cuts. The proportion of actinic keratosis lesions treated by independently billing nurse practitioners and physician assistants increased from 4.0% in 2007 to 13.5% in 2015.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study's findings suggest that actinic keratosis imposes continuously increasing levels of treatment burden in the Medicare fee-for-service population. Reimbursement decreases have been used to control rising costs of actinic keratosis treatment. Critical research may be warranted to optimize access to actinic keratosis treatment and value for prevention of keratinocyte carcinoma.

Review of Clinical Evidence over 10 Years on Prevention and Treatment of a Film-Forming Medical Device Containing Photolyase in the Management of Field Cancerization in Actinic Keratosis

Abstract

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common pathology that afflicts sun-exposed areas of the skin. It predominantly affects older and fair-skinned individuals suggesting an accumulative damage attributable to chronic sun exposure. The prevalence of AK has risen in the past decades and is expected to continue to rise. Apart from visible hyperkeratotic, hyperplastic lesions, AK is also associated with the presence of subclinical lesions adjacent to tumor tissue, which has led to the use of the concept “cancerization field”. Although lesion- and field-targeting treatments are currently available, many are associated with local side effects and recurrence of new lesions. This review provides information on AK pathophysiology and treatment options and summarizes the available clinical evidence supporting the use of Eryfotona AK-NMSC, a film-forming medical device with SPF 100+ containing the DNA repair enzyme photolyase, for managing AK, based on the analysis of the results of 228 patients treated with the product.

Funding

ISDIN funded the Article Processing Charges.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s13555-019-0294-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Mediators of Inflammation in Topical Therapy of Skin Cancers

Taking into consideration that the immune system plays a very important role in the development of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, which have a high prevalence in immunosuppressed patients and after prolonged ultraviolet radiation, the interest in developing novel therapies, in particular targeting the inflammation in cancer, has increased in the past years. The latest data suggest that therapies such as imiquimod (IMQ), ingenol mebutate (IM), 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), retinoids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used with success in the topical treatment of some cancers. Herein, we review the topical treatment targeting the inflammation in skin cancer and the mechanisms involved in these processes. Currently, various associations have shown a superior success rate than monotherapy, such as systemic acitretin and topical IMQ, topical 5-FU with tretinoin cream, or IMQ with checkpoint inhibitor cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4. Novel therapies targeting Toll-like receptor-7 (TLR-7) with higher selectivity than IMQ are also of great interest.

Data-driven imaging of tissue inflammation using RGB-based hyperspectral reconstruction toward personal monitoring of dermatologic health

Sensitive and accurate assessment of dermatologic inflammatory hyperemia in otherwise grossly normal-appearing skin conditions is beneficial to laypeople for monitoring their own skin health on a regular basis, to patients for looking for timely clinical examination, and to primary care physicians or dermatologists for delivering effective treatments. We propose that mathematical hyperspectral reconstruction from RGB images in a simple imaging setup can provide reliable visualization of hemoglobin content in a large skin area. Without relying on a complicated, expensive, and slow hyperspectral imaging system, we demonstrate the feasibility of determining heterogeneous or multifocal areas of inflammatory hyperemia associated with experimental photocarcinogenesis in mice. We envision that RGB-based reconstructed hyperspectral imaging of subclinical inflammatory hyperemic foci could potentially be integrated with the built-in camera (RGB sensor) of a smartphone to develop a simple imaging device that could offer affordable monitoring of dermatologic health.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Imiquimod and 5-Fluorouracil for the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis: Critical Review and Meta-Analysis of Efficacy Studies

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:

A cumulative meta-analysis was performed to determine the efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream, which presents a new alternative topical therapy for actinic keratosis, and to compare it to 5-fluorouracil for the treatment of actinic keratosis lesions of the face and scalp.

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:

The results of this meta-analysis show that both imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil are effective methods for the treatment of actinic keratosis and provide a useful alternative to cryotherapy. However, this analysis suggests that imiquimod may have higher efficacy than 5-fluorouracil for actinic keratosis lesions located on the face and scalp and therefore provides another option to dermatologists.

Potential of confocal laser scanning microscopy for non-invasive diagnostics of malignant epithelial skin tumors in the course of dermatoheliosis progression

Most cases of malignant epithelial skin neoplasms including actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma, which are characterized by the most complicated course and numerous clinical and morphological options, involve dermatoheliosis progression. The risk of actinic keratosis transformation into basal cell carcinoma varies from 0.1% to 20% and up to 80% in cases of multiple AK lesion foci. A non-invasive method known as reflectance confocal laser scanning microscopy is the most promising one for the purposes of early diagnostics of signs pointing at epithelial skin neoplasm development and makes it possible to monitor the tumor in progress in vivo to diagnose the presence of a pool of squamous cells on a timely basis. The confocal laser scanning microscopy method provides high-contrast images of for any horizontal-oriented morphologic structures in the epidermis and upper dermis with a resolution comparable to those characteristic of traditional optical microscopy of skin tissue samples. According to our data obtained as a result of studying dynamic changes and morphologic structures in actinic keratosis foci (50 cases) using the confocal laser scanning microscopy method, we discovered a number of morphologic features, and their further analysis will distinguish the signs of progressing carcinogenesis in case of dermatoheliosis.

Actinic Keratosis Clinical Practice Guidelines: An Appraisal of Quality

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a common precancerous skin lesion and many AK management guidelines exist, but there has been limited investigation into the quality of these documents. The objective of this study was to assess the strengths and weaknesses of guidelines that address AK management. A systematic search for guidelines with recommendations for AK was performed. The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) was used to appraise the quality of guidelines. Multiple raters independently reviewed each of the guidelines and applied the AGREE II tool and scores were calculated. Overall, 2,307 citations were identified and 7 fulfilled the study criteria. The Cancer Council of Australia/Australian Cancer Network guideline had the highest mean scores and was the only guideline to include a systematic review, include an evidence rating for recommendations, and report conflicts of interest and funding sources. High-quality, effective guidelines are evidence-based with recommendations that are concise and organized, so practical application is facilitated. Features such as concise tables, pictorial diagrams, and explicit links to evidence are helpful. However, the rigor and validity of some guidelines were weak. So, it is important for providers to be aware of the features that contribute to a high-quality, practical document.

Willingness-to-pay to access Ingenol Mebutate Gel for Actinic Keratosis Treatment in the U.S. Setting

Background: Currently available topical treatments for actinic keratosis (AK) adversely affect patients' quality of life because of long treatment durations and long-lasting local skin reactions (LSRs), which may result in poor treatment adherence and patient outcomes. Ingenol mebutate gel, a recently introduced treatment for AK, is administered for 2 or 3 days, and LSR's are predicable in onset and duration. Objectives: The objective of the study was to estimate the value of ingenol mebutate gel's shorter treatment duration and tolerability profile to potential patients, versus existing topical treatments (imiquimod 3.75%, imiquimod 5% and diclofenac 3%) in the United States. Methods: The open-ended Contingent Valuation (CV) approach was used to estimate incremental willingness-to-pay (WTP) for ingenol mebutate gel rather than treatment with imiquimod 5%, imiquimod 3.75% and diclofenac 3%. Profiles for each therapy differed in regards to treatment duration, time-to-LSR resolution, and price. Subjects were asked to state their maximum out-of-pocket WTP to receive ingenol mebutate gel instead of each of the three alternatives. Results: 103 subjects provided usable answers. Between 48% and 63% of subjects were willing to pay extra to gain access to treatment with the ingenol mebutate gel profile instead of the comparators, and the mean incremental WTP ranged from $475 to $518. Subjects with experience of topical treatment stated higher WTP for accessing ingenol mebutate gel. Subjects whose most bothersome AK area was the full scalp or forehead also claimed higher WTP for ingenol mebutate gel. Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with AK indicated an unmet need for fast-acting topical treatment with shorter LSR resolution time.

Comparative Study of Photodynamic Therapy with Topical Methyl Aminolevulinate versus 5-Aminolevulinic Acid for Facial Actinic Keratosis with Long-Term Follow-Up

Background

Few studies have compared the efficacy, cosmetic outcomes, and adverse events between 5-aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) and methyl aminolevulinate-PDT (MAL-PDT) for actinic keratoses (AKs) in Asian ethnic populations with dark-skin.

Objective

We retrospectively compared the long-term efficacy, recurrence rates, cosmetic outcomes, and safety of ALA-PDT versus MAL-PDT for facial AKs in Koreans.

Methods

A total of 222 facial AKs in 58 patients were included in this study. A total of 153 lesions (29 patients) were treated with 5-ALA, and 69 lesions (29 patients) with MAL. ALA and MAL creams were applied for 6 hours and 3 hours, respectively; the lesions were then illuminated with a halogen lamp at 150 J/cm² for ALA-PDT and a diode lamp at 37 J/cm² for MAL-PDT.

Results

The complete response rates of ALA-PDT and MAL-PDT were 56.9% and 50.7%, respectively, with no significant difference at 12 months after treatment. No significant difference in recurrence rates was observed between the 2 PDT modalities at either 6 or 12 months after treatment. There was no significant difference in the cosmetic outcomes between the 2 treatment modalities at 12 months after PDT. However, ALA-PDT caused significantly more painful than MAL-PDT (p=0.005). The adverse events were mild to moderate, transient, and self-limiting for both modalities.

Conclusion

MAL-PDT was similar to ALA-PDT in terms of long-term efficacy, recurrence rates, cosmetic outcomes, and adverse events; however, it was a significantly less painful procedure than ALA-PDT in our study.

Electrosurgery: part I. Basics and principles

The term electrosurgery (also called radiofrequency surgery) refers to the passage of high-frequency alternating electrical current through the tissue in order to achieve a specific surgical effect. Although the mechanism behind electrosurgery is not completely understood, heat production and thermal tissue damage is responsible for at least the majority--if not all--of the tissue effects in electrosurgery. Adjacent to the active electrode, tissue resistance to the passage of current converts electrical energy to heat. The only variable that determines the final tissue effects of a current is the depth and the rate at which heat is produced. Electrocoagulation occurs when tissue is heated below the boiling point and undergoes thermal denaturation. An additional slow increase in temperature leads to vaporization of the water content in the coagulated tissue and tissue drying, a process called desiccation. A sudden increase in tissue temperature above the boiling point causes rapid explosive vaporization of the water content in the tissue adjacent to the electrode, which leads to tissue fragmentation and cutting.

Management of actinic keratosis: a practical report and treatment algorithm from AKTeam™ expert clinicians

BACKGROUND

Actinic keratoses (AK) are common photo-induced cutaneous lesions that may progress to invasive squamous-cell carcinoma and serve as a risk marker for skin cancer. Although numerous studies present the various therapeutic options for AK, publications that can be used to pragmatically guide dermatologists in their daily practice are limited. National and international guidelines have been published, however, they are based on clinical trials with highly selected patient populations and do not always capture the range of patients seen in everyday practice.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this expert panel of French dermatologists was to present an analysis of AK geared towards everyday practice, to express an informed opinion about most recent treatments, and to propose a treatment algorithm for AK for daily practice in France.

METHODS

Over a 12 month period, six expert dermatologists in the field of AK (AKTeam(TM) expert panel) met regularly to formulate an opinion about treatment in everyday practice compared with the analysis of the literature and guidelines published since 1990.

RESULTS

Definitions, terminology, diagnosis and risk factors were summarized. Data from the literature and current practices related to the initial evaluation, indications for biopsy, therapeutic indications, therapeutic options and effectiveness, monitoring and prevention were discussed. A pragmatic treatment algorithm was formalized according to current data available. This practical algorithm distinguishes between different clinical situations depending on the number of AK, their hyperkeratotic or suspicious nature, and includes cryotherapy, curettage-electrocoagulation, 5% 5-fluorouracil, 3% diclofenac sodium, 5% imiquimod, 150 and 500 μg/g ingenol mebutate, lasers, photodynamic therapy and surgery.

CONCLUSION

This up-to-date expert opinions about AK and its treatment provide a management strategy and practical treatment algorithm for AK for French dermatologists to use.

Randomized, vehicle-controlled trials of topical 5-fluorouracil therapy for actinic keratosis treatment: an overview

Actinic keratoses are common in older individuals and topical immunotherapy is an important treatment when multiple lesions are present. To assess the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil in treating actinic keratoses, a systematic review of randomized, vehicle-controlled trials was performed. Percentages of 5-fluorouracil and vehicle responders were determined by absolute clearance and mean percent reduction in lesion count. Four trials with 399 and 269 participants in active treatment and vehicle groups, respectively, were evaluated. After 4 weeks of treatment, total clearance and mean lesion count reduction were 52.6 and 90.2% in the treatment group versus 0.85 and 28.3% in the vehicle group, respectively. Topical 5-fluorouracil is efficacious in treating actinic keratoses; however, vehicle responses warrant further investigation of study design and disease severity scales.

Pharmacotherapy of actinic keratosis: an update

INTRODUCTION

Actinic keratosis (AK) represents the initial intraepidermal manifestation of abnormal keratinocyte proliferation, with the potential of progression to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Few visible AKs lead to the use of lesion-directed treatments, including ablative and/or surgical procedures. Multiple and/or the suspicion of subclinical (non-visible) AKs lead to the use of field-directed therapies, including topical and ablative treatments. Predicting which AK will progress to SCC is difficult, and so all are treated. The goals of treatment are to eliminate visible AKs and to treat subclinical (non-visible) AKs, minimizing their risk of progression to invasive SCC, while pursuing good cosmesis.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses the prevention of AKs (such as ultraviolet light avoidance, sunscreen use, protective clothing, and frequent self-examinations, in addition to chemoprevention with retinoids, eflornithine, silymarin, and others). It also covers lesion-directed treatments (e.g., cryotherapy, electrodessication and curettage, and surgery). Field-directed treatments are also mentioned (including laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, chemical peels, topical immunomodulators (imiquimod and diclofenac), topical chemotherapeutic agents (5-fluorouracil and retinoids), and photodynamic therapy). Finally, newer and investigational treatments are discussed (including ingenol mebutate).

EXPERT OPINION

There is no panacea in the treatment of AKs. The current best approach is the sequential treatment with a lesion-directed and a field-directed therapy. Several combinations seem to work well; they just need to be selected based on the evidence and adjusted to patient needs, preferences and dermatologist expertise.

New developments in the treatment of actinic keratosis: focus on ingenol mebutate gel

Actinic keratosis is a common disease in older, fair-skinned people, and is a consequence of cumulative ultraviolet exposure. It is part of a disease continuum in photodamaged skin that may lead to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Treatment options frequently used include cryosurgery and topical pharmacologic agents, which are examples of lesion-directed and field-directed strategies. Ingenol mebutate gel was recently approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for topical treatment of actinic keratosis. While the mechanism of action of ingenol mebutate is not fully understood, in vitro and in vivo studies using tumor models indicate it has multiple mechanisms. Ingenol mebutate directly induces cell death by mitochondrial swelling and loss of cell membrane integrity preferentially in transformed keratinocytes. It promotes an inflammatory response characterized by infiltration of neutrophils and other immunocompetent cells that kills remaining tumor cells. The ability of ingenol mebutate to eliminate mutant p53 patches in ultraviolet-irradiated mouse skin suggests that it may have the potential to treat chronically ultraviolet-damaged skin. In human studies, ingenol mebutate achieved high clearance of actinic keratosis on the head and body after 2–3 consecutive daily treatments when measured by complete or partial clearance of lesions. Localized inflammatory skin responses were generally mild to moderate and resolved in less than a month.

Ingenol mebutate gel for actinic keratosis

BACKGROUND

Actinic keratosis is a common precursor to sun-related squamous-cell carcinoma. Treating actinic keratoses and the surrounding skin area (i.e., field therapy) can eradicate clinical and subclinical actinic keratoses. Topical field therapy currently requires weeks or months of treatment. We investigated the efficacy and safety of a new topical field therapy for actinic keratosis, ingenol mebutate gel (0.015% for face and scalp and 0.05% for trunk and extremities).

METHODS

In four multicenter, randomized, double-blind studies, we randomly assigned patients with actinic keratoses on the face or scalp or on the trunk or extremities to receive ingenol mebutate or placebo (vehicle), self-applied to a 25-cm(2) contiguous field once daily for 3 consecutive days for lesions on the face or scalp or for 2 consecutive days for the trunk or extremities. Complete clearance (primary outcome) was assessed at 57 days, and local reactions were quantitatively measured.

RESULTS

In a pooled analysis of the two trials involving the face and scalp, the rate of complete clearance was higher with ingenol mebutate than with placebo (42.2% vs. 3.7%, P<0.001). Local reactions peaked at day 4, with a mean maximum composite score of 9.1 on the local-skin-response scale (which ranges from 0 to 4 for six types of reaction, yielding a composite score of 0 to 24, with higher numbers indicating more severe reactions), rapidly decreased by day 8, and continued to decrease, approaching baseline scores by day 29. In a pooled analysis of the two trials involving the trunk and extremities, the rate of complete clearance was also higher with ingenol mebutate than with placebo (34.1% vs. 4.7%, P<0.001). Local skin reactions peaked between days 3 and 8 and declined rapidly, approaching baseline by day 29, with a mean maximum score of 6.8. Adverse events were generally mild to moderate in intensity and resolved without sequelae.

CONCLUSIONS

Ingenol mebutate gel applied topically for 2 to 3 days is effective for field treatment of actinic keratoses. (Funded by LEO Pharma; ClinicalTrials.gov numbers, NCT00742391, NCT00916006, NCT00915551, and NCT00942604.).

Nonsurgical treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer

The ever-increasing incidence of primary cutaneous malignancies has heralded the need for multiple treatment options. Surgical modalities remain the mainstay of treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer. However, it is important for the dermatologic surgeon to have an understanding of all treatment options to assist the patient in making the most informed decision possible, ultimately leading to the most favorable outcome. This article explores the available nonsurgical treatment options, their indications, and their efficacy.

Current and emerging treatment strategies for the treatment of actinic keratosis

Actinic keratoses are encountered by physicians worldwide on a daily basis. As these precancerous lesions can transform to skin carcinomas, it is important to understand the many available options to use as treatment. In recent years, new therapeutic options have emerged to treat this common condition. These treatments as well as a review of the literature of conventional therapies will be discussed.

Patient education cards for skin cancer detection and treatment

Over 1.3 million cases of skin cancer occur annually in the USA, but no uniform or evidence-based screening guidelines exist. During a 1-year intervention, a patient education tool was distributed to patients. Billing records were utilized to compare detection and treatment rates for cancerous and precancerous skin lesions during the intervention to a historical control. No significant change in detection rates was demonstrated (RR = 1.0, p = 0.88). However, the number of procedures performed for malignant and pre-malignant skin lesions increased significantly (RR = 2.4, p < 0.0001). The patient education tool created clinically significant behavioral change at a low monetary and time cost.

Imiquimod 2.5% and 3.75% for the treatment of actinic keratoses: results of two placebo-controlled studies of daily application to the face and balding scalp for two 3-week cycles

BACKGROUND

Imiquimod 5% cream is approved as a 16-week regimen for the treatment of actinic keratoses involving a 25-cm(2) area of skin.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate imiquimod 2.5% and 3.75% creams for short-course treatment of the entire face and scalp.

METHODS

In two identical studies, adults with 5 to 20 lesions were randomized to placebo, or imiquimod 2.5% or 3.75% cream (1:1:1). Up to two packets (250 mg each) were applied per dose once daily for two 3-week treatment cycles, with a 3-week, no-treatment interval. Efficacy was assessed at 8 weeks posttreatment.

RESULTS

In all, 490 subjects were randomized to placebo, or imiquimod 2.5% or 3.75% cream. Median baseline lesion counts for the treatment groups were 9 to 10. Complete and partial clearance rates were 5.5% and 12.8% for placebo, 25.0% and 42.7% for imiquimod 2.5%, and 34.0% and 53.7% for imiquimod 3.75% (P < .001, each imiquimod vs placebo; P = .034, 3.75% vs 2.5% for partial clearance). Median reductions from baseline in lesion count were 23.6%, 66.7%, and 80.0% for the placebo, imiquimod 2.5%, and imiquimod 3.75% groups, respectively (P < .001 each imiquimod vs placebo). There were few treatment-related discontinuations. Temporary treatment interruption (rest) rates were 0%, 17.1%, and 27.2% for the placebo, imiquimod 2.5%, and imiquimod 3.75%, respectively.

LIMITATIONS

Local effects of imiquimod, including erythema, may have led to investigator and subject bias.

CONCLUSIONS

Both imiquimod 2.5% and 3.75% creams were more effective than placebo and had an acceptable safety profile when administered daily as a 3-week on/off/on regimen.

Effect of dosing frequency on the safety and efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream for treatment of actinic keratosis on the forearms and hands: a phase II, randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Clinical studies in cutaneous conditions other than actinic keratosis (AK) have revealed that the safety and efficacy profile of imiquimod is influenced by dosing frequency.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate dosing frequency response of imiquimod 5% for treatment of AK.

METHODS

This was a phase II, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Adults with > or = 10 but < or = 50 clinical AKs, one of which was histologically confirmed, were randomized (4:1) to 2-6 packets of imiquimod or placebo cream applied to the dorsum of the forearms and hands once daily 2, 3, 5 or 7 times per week for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was complete clearance of AKs in the treatment area at 8 weeks post-treatment.

RESULTS

One hundred and forty-nine (94 men and 54 women) white subjects, with a mean +/- SD age of 71 +/- 10.2 years, were enrolled. Twenty-eight subjects (18.8%) discontinued from study: 0%, 3.1%, 6.9%, 30.0% and 33.3% withdrew for local skin reactions or adverse events in the combined placebo, and in the imiquimod 2, 3, 5 or 7 times per week groups, respectively. Seven serious adverse events occurred; none was related to the study drug. Median baseline lesions ranged from 38 to 40 for the treatment groups. Complete clearance was achieved in 0%, 3.2%, 6.9%, 3.3% and 6.7% of subjects, and partial clearance (> or = 75% lesion reduction) in 0%, 22.6%, 24.1%, 20.0% and 36.7% of subjects for the placebo and imiquimod 2, 3, 5 or 7 times per week regimens, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Imiquimod 5% applied more frequently than 3 times per week to AKs was not well tolerated. Complete clearance rates were low; however, partial clearance rates increased with increased dosing frequency (P = 0.002).

[Side effects of topical photodynamic therapy]

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is gaining increasing significance in the treatment of skin cancers and precancerous lesions. Most of the studies dealing with this procedure focus on efficacy. Whereas treatment results are a decisive parameter, before any therapy is accepted the evaluation should also consider side effects in daily practice. We treated 2031 patients with PDT between 2001 and 2006, and evaluated the side effects during and after treatment with a specially designed protocol. The most prominent side effect was pain, which occurred in 92% of patients, followed by erythema/edema (89%) and scaling in conjunction with itching (80%). Less common unwanted effects included crusting (9%), pustules (6%), large erosions (1.2%), pigmentary changes (1%) and infections (0.4%). Especially widespread erosions and pustules caused significant anxiety for the patients. Patients should be informed in detail about the side effects of PDT prior to treatment, since most of the unwanted effects are easily managed, heal without scarring and do not influence the therapeutic response.

Solar keratosis: epidemiology, pathogenesis, presentation and treatment

Solar keratosis is a common problem encountered by dermatologists, particularly in Australia. Solar keratosis is most commonly found on sun-exposed areas such as the scalp, face and forearms. UV radiation is thought to be the major aetiological factor, with age, immunosuppression and human papillomavirus being important contributing factors. Solar keratosis usually presents as a discrete, variably erythematous and irregular lesion with a scaly surface. Although the exact rate of malignant transformation to squamous cell carcinoma is unknown, the majority of squamous cell carcinomas appear to arise from within solar keratosis. For this reason, solar keratosis is commonly treated and, consequently, an increasing number of therapeutic options is now available. Traditional therapies, such as liquid nitrogen cryotherapy, are still popular, but newer choices, such as photodynamic therapy and imiquimod cream, are now providing further options with similar efficacy and superior adverse effect profiles, albeit at a higher cost.

Methyl aminolaevulinate?photodynamic therapy: a review of clinical trials in the treatment of actinic keratoses and nonmelanoma skin cancer

Methyl aminolaevulinate-photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT) has advanced the management of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), providing a treatment option for actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma [both superficial (sBCC) and nodular (nBCC)] and Bowen's disease, with good clinical outcomes, low recurrence rates and enhanced cosmetic acceptability. Excellent results have been reported, with complete responses (CRs) in AK ranging from 69% to 93% at 3 months; CRs in Bowen's disease are 93% at 3 months and 68% at 24 months. In sBCC, CRs range from 85% to 93% at 3 months and are comparable with cryosurgery up to 60 months (75% vs. 74%). In nBCC, CRs range from 75-82% at 3 months to 77% at 60 months. MAL-PDT specifically targets diseased cells, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. This noninvasive treatment option is associated with minimal risk of scarring. Moreover, systemic uptake of MAL is negligible and the local phototoxic reactions that often occur during treatment rapidly heal to produce excellent cosmetic results. The side-effects of therapy, which are predominantly local phototoxic effects (burning, stinging and prickling sensations), are of mild-to-moderate intensity, of short duration and easily managed. Overall, the efficacy and low risk of side-effects afforded by this therapy have resulted in high patient preference in clinical trials. The current evidence base for MAL-PDT in the treatment of AK and NMSC is reviewed in this article.

A clinical comparison and long-term follow-up of topical 5-fluorouracil versus laser resurfacing in the treatment of widespread actinic keratoses

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Many treatment modalities exist for actinic keratoses (AK). Topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been one of the standard treatments. Laser resurfacing is a more recent treatment option. In the literature prospective randomized studies comparing these treatments are lacking.

STUDY DESIGN/PATIENTS AND METHODS

Prospective randomized study to compare topical 5-FU with Er:YAG laser resurfacing. Fifty-five patients with multiple AK on the scalp and or the face were included. Clinical and histopathological evaluation took place at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment.

RESULTS

At 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment, there were significantly less recurrences in the laser group compared to the group of patients treated with 5-FU. Side effects did occur more frequently in the laser group, especially erythema and hypopigmentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to treatment with topical 5-FU, Er:YAG laser resurfacing is more effective regarding recurrence rates. Although significantly more side effects occur, laser resurfacing is a useful therapeutic option especially in patients with widespread AK.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil for the treatment of actinic keratosis: Critical review and meta-analysis of efficacy studies

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

A cumulative meta-analysis was performed to determine the efficacy of imiquimod 5% cream, which presents a new alternative topical therapy for actinic keratosis, and to compare it to 5-fluorouracil for the treatment of actinic keratosis lesions of the face and scalp.

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

The results of this meta-analysis show that both imiquimod and 5-fluorouracil are effective methods for the treatment of actinic keratosis and provide a useful alternative to cryotherapy. However, this analysis suggests that imiquimod may have higher efficacy than 5-fluorouracil for actinic keratosis lesions located on the face and scalp and therefore provides another option to dermatologists.

Economic evaluation of methyl aminolaevulinate-based photodynamic therapy in the management of actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Various effective therapeutic options are currently available for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), but none is perfect. Poor cosmesis resulting from surgical procedures and skin irritation induced by topical agents remain significant problems.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a recent approach, methyl aminolaevulinate-based photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT; Metvix; Galderma, Lausanne, Switzerland) in AK and BCC.

METHODS

A medical decision tree was developed for simulation of all possible outcomes associated with the medical decision to apply MAL-PDT or a comparator. The time horizon was 1 year for AK and 5 years for BCC. The comparators were cryotherapy in AK and excision surgery in BCC. Clinical data for the model were obtained from the literature. Data on medical management resulted from a Delphi panel performed among 12 Belgian dermatologists. Based on the model, the cost per full responder was calculated, whereby a responder was defined as a patient with all lesions clinically responding and showing an excellent cosmetic result.

RESULTS

MAL-PDT is a more expensive treatment compared with cryotherapy for AK. However, the cost per full responder is comparable with cryotherapy (euro363 and euro379, respectively). Incremental cost per extra full responder is euro401. Incremental cost per full responder is euro469 for nodular BCC and euro251 for superficial BCC, both compared with excision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that MAL-PDT is a cost-effective intervention in AK taking a 1-year time horizon, if society is willing to pay euro1.50 per day of response, and that MAL-PDT is better value for money than excision in BCC, taking a 5-year time horizon.

Reliable Methods to Evaluate the Burden of Actinic Keratoses

Dermatologists treat actinic keratoses to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer. Evaluation of actinic keratosis therapy depends on reliable measures of the lesions. The commonly used method of directly counting all visible lesions has been shown to be unreliable. We performed a prospective, single-blinded study to explore the reliability of body surface area involvement and direct counting of lesions measuring greater than 0.5 cm. Consecutively available subjects with >2% body surface area involvement of both upper extremities were recruited from the Albuquerque, NM Veterans Administration Dermatology Clinic upon their arrival. Blinded investigators evaluated 37 subjects during two visits, baseline and 2 weeks later, using both methods. Data were analyzed using the 26 pairs where evaluating physician was the same at both time points. Both methods correlated well when comparing the two time points. Our results did not change when we added the pairs where the evaluating physician differed in the two time points. Our study demonstrates that both methods are viable ways to evaluate actinic keratoses, even when the investigators differ at different time points, a practical matter in clinical trials. Our study provides a promising option to evaluate emerging new actinic keratoses therapies. However, given that the method was only tested on upper extremities of a veteran population, further testing must be performed in different anatomical locations and in non-veteran populations.