Fluorouracil complements cryosurgery for actinic keratosis

Topical application of fluorouracil cream [Carac] prior to cryosurgery is effective in the treatment of actinic keratosis lesions, according to a study presented at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) [New Orleans, Louisiana, US; February 2005]. Results of a 12-month study showed that treatment with fluorouracil 0.5% cream for 1 week before cryosurgery significantly reduced the number of actinic keratosis lesions, compared with cryosurgery alone. Approximately half of the patients treated with fluorouracil were completely clear of facial lesions following two cycles of therapy.