A trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis of topical 5-fluorouracil vs. imiquimod vs. ingenol mebutate vs. methyl aminolaevulinate conventional photodynamic therapy for the treatment of actinic keratosis in the head and neck area performed in the Netherlands

International time trends and differences in topical actinic keratosis therapy utilization

Background

Actinic Keratoses (AK) are precancerous lesions that can lead to Squamous Cell Carcinoma. International differences in the utilization of topical medications to treat AK are not well described.

Objectives

To describe international differences in topical AK medication utilization, including associations of countries' economic status with AK medication utilization.

Methods

We used IQVIA MIDAS pharmaceutical sales data for 65 countries (42 high-income, 24 middle-income) from April 2011 to December 2021. We calculated each country's quarterly utilization of medications in grams per 1000 population. We used univariable linear regression to assess the association between country economic status and AK medication utilization.

Results

High-income countries used 15.37 more grams per 1000 population of 5-fluorouracil (95% CI: 9.68, 21.05), 4.64 more grams per 1000 population of imiquimod (95% CI: 3.45, 5.83), and 0.32 more grams per 1000 population of ingenol mebutate (95% CI: 0.05, 0.60).

Limitations

Missing medication utilization data for some countries.

Conclusion

High-income countries use more topical AK therapies than middle-income countries.

Home- vs clinic-based daylight photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid nanoemulsion (BF-200 ALA) for actinic keratosis: A randomized, single-blind, prospective study

BACKGROUND

Daylight photodynamic therapy (DL-PDT) has become one of the most effective treatments for the resolution of actinic keratosis (AK) of Olsen grade 1 and 2. Generally, PDT it is carried out in a clinic setting, which involves the patient's and their caregivers commuting to the hospital as well as a significant use of resources to carry it out within the clinic setting.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the efficacy and safety of a home-based treatment of AK with DL-PDT with the BF-200 ALA gel compared to a clinic-based setting.

METHODS

The study was performed as a randomized, single-center, non-inferiority clinical trial with two parallel groups. 9 patients received one clinic-based DL-PDT (group 1) and 11 patients received one session of home-based DL-PDT (group 2). The primary endpoints were the mean AK clearance per patient and the total AK lesion clearance rate 12 weeks after treatment. The secondary endpoints were the number of remaining AKs and new AKs appearing in the treatment field 12 weeks after one PDT session. The pain during and 24 h after PDT as well as the local skin reactions were also assessed.

RESULTS

The overall reduction of AK lesions per patient was similar in both groups with one PDT session. An overall AK clearance per patient of 10 ± 4.33 for group 1 versus 9.73 ± 2.9 for group 2 without statistically significant differences (p = 0.868). Regarding the clearance rate, although it was slightly higher in group 2 (71.58 ± 22.51 vs 82.1 ± 11.13), the analysis did not show statistically significant differences. The mild pain recorded during the treatment course and the mild local skin reactions were similar in both groups. Patient satisfaction was high for both groups without statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSION

Self-performed home-based DL-PDT with BF-200 ALA gel is as effective as the one performed in a clinic-based setting, with a comparable safety profile, high levels of patient satisfaction and with advantages for the patients and their caregivers that can enhance patient´s adherence to the treatment.

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials of topicals for actinic keratosis field therapy

Cutaneous field cancerization in dermatology describes the anatomic region of photodamaged skin with actinic keratoses (AKs) or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) that is surrounded by cellular atypia, forming a dysplastic field. The concept of field cancerization is especially relevant in dermatology, as actinic keratoses and the surrounding dysplastic region can progress to carcinomas, necessitating the treatment of the field. Recent research has focused on field-directed therapy using topical agents. This study aims to systematically review randomized controlled trials on topical treatments for actinic keratosis field cancerization, following the PRISMA guidelines. Clinical recommendations were based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. We identified 20 original randomized controlled trials for topical cutaneous field therapy. 0.5% 5-Fluorouracil/salicylic acid and 0.5% 5-fluorouracil received a clinical recommendation grade of A, while diclofenac sodium received a clinical recommendation grade of B. Calcipotriol/5-fluorouracil, Imiquimod, sunscreen combination therapies, and tirbanibulin received a recommendation grade of C. This review provides a framework for clinicians when considering topical treatments for patients with field cancerization.

Skin in the game: The cost consequences of skin cancer diagnosis, treatment and care in Northern Ireland

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is a prevalent cancer in the UK. Its rising incidence and mortality rates are expected to result in substantial financial implications, particularly on diagnostic and treatment services for skin cancer management in Northern Ireland (NI). Such anticipated disease increases underscore the need for prevention and control measures that should help guide policymaking and planning efforts.

METHODS

We conducted a cost of illness study to assess the economic impact of skin cancer in NI from the healthcare system's perspective, using a bottom-up method, employing NHS reference costs (UK£) for skin cancer diagnosis and treatment patient pathways in 2021/22. Sensitivity analyses varied diagnostic volumes by applying multipliers for benign cases, assuming a diagnostic conversion rate of 6.8%, and examined an alternative chemotherapy regimen compliance rate of 75%. Additionally, proportional cost increases were projected based on future estimated increases of 9% and 28% to malignant melanoma (MM) cases for diagnostic, treatment, and follow-up volumes.

RESULTS

Significant numbers of non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and MM cases were recorded, 4289 NMSCs and 439 MM cases. The total cost for managing NMSC was £ 3,365,350. Total costs for MM skin cancer were £ 13,740,681, including £ 8,753,494 for procurement, administration, and chemotherapy drug use. Overall healthcare spending on skin cancer care totalled £ 21,167,651. Sensitivity analysis suggested diagnostic cost may increase significantly to £ 12,374,478 based on referral volume assumptions. If base case rates rise by 9 or 28% estimated total costs of treating skin cancer will increase to £ 22.3 million and £ 24.9 million, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Skin cancer management costs in NI totalled ∼£ 21.1 million to £ 32.1 million, depending on diagnostic referral assumptions. Costs have risen ∼10-fold over the past decade for MM due largely to chemotherapy costs. A predicted 28% increase in MM cases by 2040 would lead to ∼£ 3.8 million of additional expenditures, providing a significant challenge for cancer health systems.

A Review of the Dermatologic Clinical Applications of Topical Photodynamic Therapy

Topical photodynamic therapy is a widely approved therapy for actinic keratoses and low-risk nonmelanoma skin cancers with a rapidly growing range of emerging indications for other cutaneous diseases. This review summarizes the best-available evidence to provide a clinical update for dermatologists on the approved and emerging indications of photodynamic therapy. The body of evidence suggests that photodynamic therapy is superior or noninferior to other available treatment modalities for actinic keratoses, low-risk basal cell carcinomas, Bowen's disease, skin field cancerization, chemoprevention of keratinocyte carcinomas in organ transplant recipients, photoaging, acne vulgaris, and cutaneous infections including verrucae, onychomycosis, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. There is emerging evidence that photodynamic therapy plays a role in the management of actinic cheilitis, early-stage mycosis fungoides, extramammary Paget disease, lichen sclerosis, and folliculitis decalvans but there are no comparative studies with other active treatment modalities. Common barriers to topical photodynamic therapy include procedural pain, costs, and the time required for treatment delivery. There is significant heterogeneity in the photodynamic therapy protocols reported in the literature, including different photosensitizers, light sources, number of treatments, time between treatments, and use of procedural analgesia. Topical photodynamic therapy should be considered in the management of a spectrum of inflammatory, neoplastic, and infectious dermatoses. However, more comparative research is required to determine its role in the treatment algorithm for these dermatologic conditions and more methodological research is required to optimize photodynamic therapy protocols to improve the tolerability of the procedure for patients.

Poor Adherence to Self-Applied Topical Drug Treatment Is a Common Source of Low Lesion Clearance in Patients with Actinic Keratosis-A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Many treatments for actinic keratosis (AK) have been proven efficient in clinical trials. However, patients with AK may still experience unsatisfactory therapeutic outcomes in clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate patient adherence to self-applied topical interventions for AK and to explore factors associated with adherence in a real-world setting.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients presenting with AK were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire about their last topical AK treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients participated with a median age of 78.5 years (range 58-94). Fifty-four patients (47.8%) received topical diclofenac, ten (8.8%) imiquimod, nine (8%) 5-fluorouracil, nine (8%) 5-fluorouracil plus salicylic acid, and eight (7.1%) photodynamic therapy. The non-adherence rate was 46.9% (n = 53), and only 30.9% (n = 35) used the topical treatments according to the summary of product characteristics (SmPC). These subgroups were compared. Patients of the non-compliant group were significantly less informed about the application time of the specific topical intervention (p = 0.002) and adjusted the timeframe (p < 0.001) and application frequency of the therapy (p = 0.02) independently of their physician. Conversely, patients reporting a sufficient pre-treatment consultation (p = 0.019) generally complied with the SmPC compliance application.

CONCLUSIONS

A thorough pre-treatment consultation can help to increase treatment adherence and ensure lesion clearance.

Basal Proliferation and Acantholysis May Represent Histological High-Risk Factors for Progression into Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Comparison Study in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients and Matched Immunocompetent Patients

Histological risk factors of AKs cannot be directly determined. Recent studies indicate that AKs restricted to the lower third of the epidermis (AK I), with marked basal proliferation (PRO III) and acantholysis, are associated with an increased risk of progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma (iSCC). To confirm the aforementioned histological risk factors, this study compared AKs from solid organ transplant recipients (sOTRs), known to carry an up to 250-fold higher risk for progression into iSCC, to a matched immunocompetent control group (ICG). In total, 111 AKs from 43 sOTRs showed more AKs (n = 54, 48.7%) graded as AK I compared to 35 AKs (31.5%) in the ICG (p = 0.009). In line with these findings, 89 AKs (80.2%) from sOTRs showed pronounced basal proliferation (PRO III) compared to 37 AKs (33.3%) in the ICG (p < 0.0001). Acantholysis was more frequent in sOTRs than the ICG (59.5% vs. 32.4%, p < 0.0001) and more frequently associated with advanced basal proliferation (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, this study showed that acantholytic AKs graded as AK I and PRO III are predominantly found in a population at high risk of iSCC. Thus, AKs with marked basal proliferation and acantholysis should be assumed to be histological high-risk factors for the progression into iSCC.

Pharmacological Agents Used in the Prevention and Treatment of Actinic Keratosis: A Review

Actinic keratosis (AK) is among the most commonly diagnosed skin diseases with potentially life-threatening repercussions if left untreated. Usage of pharmacologic agents represents one of many therapeutic strategies that can be used to help manage these lesions. Ongoing research into these compounds continues to change our clinical understanding as to which agents most benefit particular patient populations. Indeed, factors such as past personal medical history, lesion location and tolerability of therapy only represent a few considerations that clinicians must account for when prescribing appropriate treatment. This review focuses on specific drugs used in either the prevention or treatment of AKs. Nicotinamide, acitretin and topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) continue to be used with fidelity in the chemoprevention of actinic keratosis, although some uncertainty persists in regard to which agents should be used in immunocompetent vs. immunodeficient/immunosuppressed patients. Topical 5-FU, including combination formulations with either calcipotriol or salicylic acid, as well as imiquimod, diclofenac and photodynamic light therapy are all accepted treatment strategies employed to target and eliminate AKs. Five percent of 5-FU is regarded as the most effective therapy in the condition, although the literature has conflictingly shown that lower concentrations of the drug might also be as effective. Topical diclofenac (3%) appears to be less efficacious than 5% 5-FU, 3.75-5% imiquimod and photodynamic light therapy despite its favorable side effect profile. Finally, traditional photodynamic light therapy, while painful, appears to be of higher efficacy in comparison to its more tolerable counterpart, daylight phototherapy.

Global Trends and Research Progress of Photodynamic Therapy in Skin Cancer: A Bibliometric Analysis and Literature Review

Background

Based on photochemical reactions through the combined use of light and photosensitizers, photodynamic therapy (PDT) is gaining popularity for the treatment of skin cancer. Various photosensitizers and treatment regimens are continuously being developed for enhancing the efficacy of PDT on skin cancer. Reviewing the development history of PDT on skin cancer, and summarizing its development direction and research status, is conducive to the further research.

Methods

To evaluate the research trends and map knowledge structure, all publications covering PDT on skin cancer were retrieved and extracted from Web of Science database. We applied VOSviewer and CiteSpace softwares to evaluate and visualize the countries, institutes, authors, keywords and research trends. Literature review was performed for the analysis of the research status of PDT on skin cancer.

Results

A total of 2662 publications were identified. The elements, mechanism, pros and cons, representative molecular photosensitizers, current challenges and research progress of PDT on skin cancer were reviewed and summarized.

Conclusion

This study provides a comprehensive display of the field of PDT on skin cancer, which will help researchers further explore the mechanism and application of PDT more effectively and intuitively.

Topical treatment of actinic keratoses in organ transplant recipients: a feasibility study for SPOT (Squamous cell carcinoma Prevention in Organ transplant recipients using Topical treatments)

BACKGROUND

The risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is significantly increased in organ transplant recipients (OTRs). Clearance of actinic keratoses (AKs) is generally regarded as a surrogate biomarker for cSCC prevention. OTR-cSCC chemoprevention with topical AK treatments has not been investigated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs), although there is evidence that 5% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) may be chemoprotective in immunocompetent patients.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the feasibility, activity and evaluation outcomes relevant to the design of a future phase III RCT of topical cSCC chemoprevention in OTRs.

METHODS

OTRs with 10 or more AKs in predefined areas were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to topical 5-FU, 5% imiquimod (IMIQ) or sunscreen (sun-protective factor 30+) in a phase II, open-label RCT over 15 months. Feasibility outcomes included proportions of eligible OTRs randomized, completing treatment and willing to be re-treated. AK activity [AK clearance, new AK development, patient-centred outcomes (toxicity, health-related quality of life, HRQoL)] and evaluation methodology (clinical vs. photographic) were assessed.

RESULTS

Forty OTRs with 903 AKs were randomized. All feasibility outcomes were met (56% of eligible OTRs were randomized; 89% completed treatment; 81% were willing to be re-treated). AK activity analyses found 5-FU and IMIQ were superior to sunscreen for AK clearance and prevention of new AKs. 5-FU was more effective than IMIQ in AK clearance and prevention in exploratory analyses. Although toxicity was greater with 5-FU, HRQoL outcomes were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Trials of topical AK treatments in OTRs for cSCC chemoprevention are feasible and AK activity results support further investigation of 5-FU-based treatments in future phase III trials. What is already known about this topic? Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is significantly more common in immunocompromised individuals including organ transplant recipients (OTRs) compared with immunocompetent populations. cSCC chemoprevention activity of sunscreen and 5-fluorouracil-based (5-FU) actinic keratosis (AK) treatments has been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in immunocompetent populations but not in OTRs. AKs are cSCC precursors and their clearance and prevention are generally regarded as surrogate endpoint biomarkers for potential cSCC chemoprevention activity. What does this study add? SPOT (SCC Prevention in OTRs using Topical treatments) has confirmed that RCTs of OTR-cSCC chemoprevention with topical AK treatments are feasible. It also suggests that topical 5-FU may be superior to 5% imiquimod and sunscreen in AK clearance and prevention. Together with recent evidence from several RCTs in the general population, these data provide a compelling rationale for further studies of intervention with 5-FU-based topical chemoprevention approaches in OTR-cSCC prevention.

Actinic keratosis (review of literature)

Actinic keratosis is an important medical and social problem, the correct diagnosis and treatment of which will help to avoid the development of invasive forms of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. With the further development of the early diagnosis of cancer, including skin cancer, the increase in human life expectancy, and the popularization of travel to exotic countries, the number of cases of actinic keratosis among the population will continue to grow. In this regard, it is important to discuss the causes and pathogenesis of the disease, the varied clinical picture of the disease, methods of non-invasive diagnostics, as well as methods of treatment, of which there are a great many in the treatment of actinic keratosis today. However, each of the methods has both advantages and disadvantages, and in the global trend towards a personalized approach to treatment, it is important to choose from the standpoint of evidence-based medicine the most suitable for each individual patient. Moreover, after treatment of actinic keratosis, relapses often occur, which are the result of insufficient diagnosis and the development of incorrect treatment tactics. The review article provides the clinical picture of actinic keratosis, diagnostic and therapeutic methods, and their comparison with each other in terms of efficacy and safety

Comparative Efficacy and Safety of Tirbanibulin for Actinic Keratosis of the Face and Scalp in Europe: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a chronic skin condition that may progress to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. We conducted a systematic review of efficacy and safety for key treatments for AK of the face and scalp, including the novel 5-day tirbanibulin 1% ointment. MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, clinical trial registries and regulatory body websites were searched. The review included 46 studies, of which 35 studies included interventions commonly used in Europe and were sufficiently homogenous to inform a Bayesian network meta-analysis of complete clearance against topical placebo or vehicle. The network meta-analysis revealed the following odds ratios and 95% credible intervals: cryosurgery 13.4 (6.2–30.3); diclofenac 3% 2.9 (1.9–4.3); fluorouracil 0.5% + salicylic acid 7.6 (4.6–13.5); fluorouracil 4% 30.3 (9.1–144.7); fluorouracil 5% 35.0 (10.2–164.4); imiquimod 3.75% 8.5 (3.5–22.4); imiquimod 5% 17.9 (9.1–36.6); ingenol mebutate 0.015% 12.5 (8.1–19.9); photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinic acid 24.1 (10.9–52.8); photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate 11.7 (6.0–21.9); tirbanibulin 1% 11.1 (6.2–20.9). Four sensitivity analyses, from studies assessing efficacy after one treatment cycle only, for ≤25 cm² treatment area, after 8 weeks post-treatment, and with single placebo/vehicle node confirmed the findings from the base case. Safety outcomes were assessed qualitatively. These results suggest that tirbanibulin 1% offers a novel treatment for AK, with a single short treatment period, favourable safety profile and efficacy, in line with existing topical treatments available in Europe.

Update aktinische Keratosen – Neuigkeiten und Relevanz für den Alltag

Ziel der Arbeit Die im März 2020 zuletzt überarbeitete Leitlinie „Aktinische Keratosen und Plattenepithelkarzinome der Haut“ hat aufgrund der Zunahme der klinischen Studien zum Thema aktinische Keratosen den höchsten Grad für Methodik (S3) erreicht, da diese nicht nur konsensbasiert sondern auch evidenzbasiert verfasst wurde. Diesen Entwicklungen gerecht zu werden und den klinisch relevanten Teil des aktuellen Stands des Wissens zu vermitteln, ist Ziel dieses Artikels.

Methodik Anhand der aktuellen epidemiologischen Lage wird der dramatisch wachsende Bedarf für das bessere Verständnis der Ätiologie aktinischer Keratosen deutlich. Ebenso gilt es, Patienten mit aktinischen Keratosen und therapiebedürftigen Ko-Morbiditäten vor einem therapiebedingten, erhöhten Risiko für die Entwicklung weiterer aktinischer Keratosen oder Plattenepithelkarzinomen zu bewahren. Die Möglichkeit der Spontanremission aktinischer Keratosen sollte ebenso wenig vernachlässigt werden wie eine mögliche Progredienz in ein Plattenepithelkarzinom. Die kontroverse Diskussion der fortwährend postulierten, sequenziellen Abfolge der histologischen Grade aktinischer Keratosen zum Plattenepithelkarzinom beinhaltet klinische und histologische Fallstricke. Diese sollten bei der Therapieentscheidung ebenso bedacht werden wie die Wünsche und Erwartungen der Patienten an ein Therapieregime. Eine bleibende Schwierigkeit ist die fehlende Standardisierung erhobener Daten zu den zahlreichen zur Verfügung stehenden Therapieoptionen. Das Potenzial dieses Forschungsgebietes für neue Therapiealternativen und präventive Maßnahmen lässt nach wie vor auf weitere, interessante Entwicklungen hoffen.

Ergebnisse Der gut etablierte kausale Zusammenhang zwischen kumulativer UV-Strahlung in der Entwicklung von Plattenepithelkarzinomen und aktinischer Keratosen hat zur Anerkennung berufsbedingter UV-Exposition als Berufserkrankung geführt, die auch die Anerkennung multipler aktinischer Keratosen als Berufserkrankung beinhaltet. Das therapeutische Handeln sollte durch die Gesamtanzahl der aktinischen Keratosen, das Ausmaß der betroffenen Fläche, die Dynamik des Krankheitsgeschehens und den Wunsch des Patienten bestimmt werden. Ein besonderes Augenmerk sollte auf den Patienten liegen, denen die Krankheitseinsicht fehlt oder die nur wenig motiviert zur Therapie sind. Es könnte der Schlüssel zur Verbesserung der Therapieadhärenz und Akzeptanz sein, diese Patienten zu erkennen und ihre Bedürfnisse in das Arzt-Patienten-Gespräch zu integrieren. Die Differenzierung zwischen lokalisierten aktinischen Keratosen und einer Feldkanzerisierung stellt ein wichtiges Entscheidungskriterium für die Wahl der empfohlenen Therapie dar. Die Rücknahme der Zulassung von Ingenolmebutat in der EU durch die EMA im Jahr 2020 hat das Spektrum der lokaltherapeutischen Optionen eingeschränkt. Der periinterventionelle Schmerz ist nach wie vor der limitierende Faktor für die konventionelle photodynamische Therapie, jedoch schreitet die Entwicklung für schmerzärmere Varianten weiter voran. Es ist zu erwarten, dass sich in den kommenden Jahren durch eine bessere Evidenzlage für weitere systemische oder lokaltherapeutische Optionen neue Behandlungsstrategien ergeben werden. Besonders im Fokus wird sicherlich nach wie vor die Präventionsforschung stehen, die v. a. den Erhalt einer erzielten Remission beinhaltet.

Schlussfolgerung Die aktuellen Forschungsergebnisse und -bestrebungen zur Thematik der aktinischen Keratosen sind aufgrund des zukünftig gesteigerten Bedarfes zum einen notwendig und zum anderen sehr ermutigend. Das Ende des therapeutischen Horizonts ist gegenwärtig noch nicht erreicht.

Intensity of Local Skin Reactions During 5-Fluorouracil Treatment Related to the Number of Actinic Keratosis Lesions: A Post Hoc, Exploratory Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Actinic keratoses (AK) are epithelial lesions caused by chronic skin exposure to ultraviolet light that can progress into squamous cell carcinoma. Although several treatments are effective, they are associated with severe skin reactions, which might be related to the extent of the disease. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the severity of local skin reactions during treatment with 5-fluorouracil 4% cream and the number of AK lesions at baseline.

METHODS

This post hoc analysis pooled data from two multicentre randomised phase III studies (HD-FUP3B-048, HD-FUP3B-049) in patients with AK treated with topical 5-fluorouracil 4% once daily (OD) or 5% twice daily (BID) for 4 weeks. First, we compared the severity, assessed using a numerical rating scale, of the local skin reactions between 5-fluorouracil 4% and 5%. Then, we investigated the relationship between the number of lesions at baseline and severe skin reactions with 5-fluorouracil 4% OD.

RESULTS

Safety data were included from 397 patients who had received 5-fluorouracil 4% (348 in study HD-FUP3B-048, 49 in study HD-FUP3B-049) OD and 342 (HD-FUP3B-048) who had received 5-fluorouracil 5% BID. For most skin reactions, severe ones were more common in patients treated with 5-fluorouracil 5% cream BID than in those treated with 5-fluorouracil 4% cream OD (P < 0.05). With 5-fluorouracil 4% OD, the incidence of severe erythema was significantly higher in patients with at least 10 lesions (46%) than in patients with 5-10 lesions (28%; P < 0.001). Similar results were observed for the other local skin reactions.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with 5-fluorouracil 4% cream OD was associated with less severe local skin reactions than 5-fluorouracil 5% BID. The number of AK lesions at baseline seems to have predictive value regarding the severity of local skin reactions that appear during treatment.

How to Assess the Efficacy of Interventions for Actinic Keratosis? A Review with a Focus on Long-Term Results

Actinic keratoses (AK) are common lesions of the skin caused by cumulative sun exposure. Since AK may progress to invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), guidelines uniformly recommend early and consequent treatment. A variety of interventions are available; however, most randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and guidelines focus on outcomes that are usually evaluated 8–12 weeks after the end of treatment. Importantly, these assessments can capture the short-term, transient outcomes, but do not allow any conclusions about long-term results to be drawn and do not reflect the probability of transition towards cSCC. Until now, few studies have assessed the long-term results of interventions for AK. Indeed, finding the most appropriate end-point and adjunct time point for determining the long-term results of interventions for AK remains a challenge. Here, we provide an overview of the different ways of measuring the efficacy of AK treatments, such as using recurrence rates or sustained clearance rates, and discuss methodological aspects. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of evidence from post-marketing surveillance trials for the detection of efficacy values and safety signals. Additionally, we emphasize that a follow-up period of 12 months might not be sufficient to reflect the long-term results and stress the urgent need for a longer follow-up period and regular risk-stratified surveillance.

[Actinic keratosis]

Actinic keratoses (AK) are common precancerous cutaneous lesions in fair-skinned individuals as a result of cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Due to their high prevalence, AK account for a large disease burden, in particular in older persons. As AK may potentially progress into invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, guidelines recommend early and consequent treatment. Numerous lesion- and field-directed interventions with different efficacy and safety profiles are currently licensed in Germany. The appropriate intervention should be chosen together with the patient based on his or her motivation and expectations towards the treatment.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions for Actinic Keratosis from Post-Marketing Surveillance Trials

Multiple interventions are available for the treatment of actinic keratosis (AK) showing high efficacy in pivotal trials. However, data from post-marketing surveillance studies have received little attention until now. Here, we systematically investigate interventions for AK from post-marketing surveillance trials as a proxy for real-world efficacy and tolerability. A systematic literature search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL. Pertinent trial registers were hand-searched until 25 March 2020. Results were pooled using a random-effects model to calculate pooled proportions and relative risks (RR) or were described qualitatively. Eleven records with a total sample size of n = 4109 were included. Three of the studies had an active-controlled design, while seven were single-armed. Participant complete clearance ranged from 23.1% for diclofenac sodium 3% gel to 88.9% for ingenol mebutate 0.05% gel. The lesion-specific clearance rate for photodynamic therapy (PDT) was 74% (95% confidence interval (CI) 56–87%). The recurrence rate was significantly higher for diclofenac sodium 3% in comparison to imiquimod 5% cream (RR 1.10, 95% CI 1.02–1.1.8) and ranged from 10.6% for ingenol mebutate 0.015% gel to 23.5% for PDT. Few patients discontinued the trials due to adverse events. The results from the majority of the post-marketing surveillance studies deviated from those of pivotal trials.

[Actinic keratoses : Current guideline and practical recommendations]

The S3 guideline "Actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin" was published on 30 June 2019. Subsequently, publications, reviews and meta-analyses appeared with new questions regarding the comparability of study data and heterogeneity of the evaluations, which are caused, among other things, by divergent measurement parameters as well as insufficient consideration of pretreatments and combined treatments. This concise overview was written in the context of criticism and in view of necessary developments and research. Topics include epidemiology, pathogenesis, prevention, clinical presentation, therapy and BK5103. Therapy is divided into local destructive procedures and topical applications. Recommendations with quotation marks are based on the actual guideline. Corresponding evidence levels are given. For the implementation in daily routine basic data, side effects and features of therapeutic options are mentioned. The current developments and questions concerning actinic keratoses become clear.