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Mehrzad M, Kang AS, Armstrong AW, Eisen DB. Comparing Cosmetic Outcomes of Straight-Line Versus W-Plasty Techniques for Linear Postauricular Wound Closure: A Randomized Evaluator Blind Split-Scar Trial. Dermatol Surg 2024; 50:423-427. [PMID: 38416811 DOI: 10.1097/dss.0000000000004113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgeons' opinions vary on the cosmetic outcome of straight-line (SL) versus broken-line (W-plasty) closure methods. To date, no studies have compared the 2 techniques in the split-scar design model that resolves the confounding individual patient factors that affects the scar outcome. OBJECTIVE Compare outcomes and wound cosmesis with SL versus W-plasty closure techniques. METHODS This clinical trial was conducted with 50 linear surgical wounds randomized to SL closure on half and W-plasty on the other half. At 3 months, patients and 2 masked observers evaluated each scar using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale [POSAS]). RESULTS The mean (SD) sum of the POSAS observer component scores were 16.6 (6.18) for the SL side and 15.5 (6.37) for the W-plasty side ( p = .49). The mean (SD) sum of the POSAS patient scores were 14.4 (6.8) in SL and 15.1 (8.2) in W-plasty ( p = .59). The mean (SD) complications were 0.08 (0.06) for SL and 0.02 (0.14) for W-plasty ( p = .18). CONCLUSION No statistically significant difference in wound cosmesis or complications was noted between SL versus W-plasty closure techniques. Surgeons may want to consider whether the extra time involved in placing zigzag W-plasty lines is worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrnaz Mehrzad
- School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Alison S Kang
- Department of Dermatology, Health Sciences Campus, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - April W Armstrong
- Departments of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Daniel B Eisen
- Departments of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
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Shahparonyan RG, Poghosyan AY, Minasyan AM, Bablumyan AY, Malkhasyan IE, Gnuni AS, Matosyan KH, Sargsyan AM, Tadevosyan AE, Muradyan AA. Evaluation of post-tracheostomy scars and their impact on persons' quality of life: A case-control study. Int Wound J 2022; 20:372-380. [PMID: 35801258 PMCID: PMC9885458 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Tracheostomy is one of the more commonly performed procedures in critically ill patients under mechanical ventilation. Postoperative scarring is one of the bothersome sequelae of tracheostomies. Scars distort physical appearance, especially when found on the head and neck, which could have a negative impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate and assess the impact of post-tracheostomy scars on quality of life according to the tracheostomy method. A prospective, single-center, observational, case-control study was conducted. One hundred fifty-six persons with a post-tracheostomy surgical scar for more than four months were observed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and Dermatology Life Quality Index questionnaire. Persons were divided into two groups depending on the method of tracheostomy, and the duration of the cannulated period was considered in both groups. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS ver. 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA), and P values of <0.05 were considered significant. The patients who had a tracheostomic tube cannulation period of fewer than 15 days had better cosmetic results than those who had tracheostomic tubes for more than 15 days, regardless of the tracheostomy method: 6.64 ± 0.082 versus 16.15 ± 0.096 (P < 0.001) in the surgical tracheostomy group and 7.26 ± 0.211 versus 14.17 ± 0.379 (P < 0.05) in the percutaneous dilatational group. The Dermatology Life Quality Index scores had a mean value of 0.6 ± 0.01, which means that post-tracheostomy scarring in the present study had no effect on the person's quality of life. The aesthetic outcomes of post-tracheostomy scars after the open surgical tracheostomy technique did not significantly differ from those of the percutaneous dilatational technique in the present study. Persons with a long duration of tracheostomic tube ventilation showed worse aesthetic outcomes than those with short-term tracheostomic cannulation, which was not dependent on the tracheostomy technique. The Dermatology Life Quality Index showed that post-ttracheostomy scarring in the present study had no effect on the person's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafik G. Shahparonyan
- ENT and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Yerevan State Medical University"Heratsi" №1 University HospitalYerevanArmenia
| | - Anna Yu Poghosyan
- ENT and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Yerevan State Medical University"Heratsi" №1 University HospitalYerevanArmenia
| | - Armen M. Minasyan
- Administrative DepartmentYerevan State Medical UniversityYerevanArmenia
| | - Aren Yu Bablumyan
- Administrative DepartmentYerevan State Medical UniversityYerevanArmenia
| | - Irina E. Malkhasyan
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive CareYerevan State Medical UniversityYerevanArmenia
| | - Anatoly S. Gnuni
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive CareYerevan State Medical UniversityYerevanArmenia
| | - Khachatur H. Matosyan
- ENT and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Yerevan State Medical University"Heratsi" №1 University HospitalYerevanArmenia
| | - Ani M. Sargsyan
- ENT and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Yerevan State Medical University"Heratsi" №1 University HospitalYerevanArmenia
| | - Artashes E. Tadevosyan
- Department of Public Health and HealthcareYerevan State Medical UniversityYerevanArmenia
| | - Armen A. Muradyan
- Administrative DepartmentYerevan State Medical UniversityYerevanArmenia
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Schlessinger DI, Reynolds KA, Dirr MA, Ibrahim SA, Yanes AF, Lazaroff JM, Godinez-Puig V, Chen BR, Kurta AO, Cotseones JK, Chiren SG, Furlan KC, Iyengar S, Behshad R, DeHoratius DM, Denes P, Drucker AM, Dzubow LM, Etzkorn JR, Harwood CA, Kim JYS, Lawrence N, Lee EH, Lissner GS, Marghoob AA, Matin RN, Mattox AR, Mittal BB, Thomas JR, Zhou XA, Zloty D, Schmitt J, Kirkham JJ, Armstrong AW, Basset-Seguin N, Billingsley EM, Bordeaux JS, Brewer J, Brown M, Brown M, Collins SAB, Fargnoli MC, De Azevedo SJ, Dummer R, Eggermont A, Goldman GD, Haedersdal M, Hale E, Hanlon A, Harms KL, Huang CC, Hurst EA, In GK, Kelleners-Smeets N, Kheterpal M, Leshin B, Mcdonald M, Miller SJ, Miller A, Mostow EN, Trakatelli M, Nehal KS, Ratner D, Rogers H, Sarin KY, Soon SL, Stasko T, Storrs PA, Tagliaferri L, Vidimos AT, Wong SL, Yu SS, Zalaudek I, Zeitouni NC, Zitelli JA, Poon E, Sobanko JF, Cartee TV, Maher IA, Alam M. Development of a Core Outcome Set for Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Including Low-Risk and Advanced Tumors. J Am Acad Dermatol 2022; 87:573-581. [PMID: 35551965 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.04.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is variation in the outcomes reported in clinical studies of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). This can prevent effective meta-analyses to answer important clinical questions. OBJECTIVE To identify a recommended minimum set of core outcomes for BCC clinical trials. METHODS Patient and professional Delphi process to cull a long-list, culminating in a consensus meeting. To be provisionally accepted, outcomes needed to be deemed 'important' (score: 7-9, of maximum of 9) by 70% of each stakeholder group. RESULTS 235 candidate outcomes identified via a systematic literature review and survey of key stakeholders were reduced to 74 that were rated by 100 health care professionals and patients in two Delphi rounds. 27 outcomes were provisionally accepted. The final core set of 5 agreed-upon outcomes after the consensus meeting was: complete response; persistent or serious adverse events; recurrence-free survival; quality of life; and patient satisfaction, including with cosmetic outcome. LIMITATIONS English-speaking patients and professionals rated outcomes extracted from English-language studies. CONCLUSIONS A core outcome set (COS) for basal cell carcinoma has been developed. Use of relevant measures may improve the utility of clinical research and the quality of therapeutic guidance available to clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel I Schlessinger
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Kelly A Reynolds
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - McKenzie A Dirr
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Sarah A Ibrahim
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Arianna F Yanes
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Jake M Lazaroff
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Victoria Godinez-Puig
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Brian R Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Jill K Cotseones
- Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology Service, Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group, Naperville, IL
| | - Sarah G Chiren
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Karina C Furlan
- Department of Pathology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Sanjana Iyengar
- Department of Dermatology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV
| | - Ramona Behshad
- Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Danielle M DeHoratius
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Pablo Denes
- Division of Cardiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Aaron M Drucker
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jeremy R Etzkorn
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Catherine A Harwood
- Department of Dermatology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, Whitechapel, London, UK; Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - John Y S Kim
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Naomi Lawrence
- Division of Dermatologic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, NJ
| | - Erica H Lee
- Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Gary S Lissner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Ashfaq A Marghoob
- Department of Dermatology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York City, NY
| | - Rubeta N Matin
- Department of Dermatology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Adam R Mattox
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Bharat B Mittal
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - J Regan Thomas
- Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Xiaolong Alan Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - David Zloty
- Department of Dermatology & Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- Center for Evidence-based Healthcare, Medical Faculty, Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jamie J Kirkham
- Centre for Biostatistics, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - April W Armstrong
- Keck School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, University of Southern California Los Angeles
| | | | | | - Jeremy S Bordeaux
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Case Western Reserve University, OH, USA
| | | | - Marc Brown
- Professor of Dermatology and Oncology; University of Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mariah Brown
- Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Hospital and School of Medicine
| | | | - Maria Concetta Fargnoli
- Dermatology, Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Sergio Jobim De Azevedo
- Professor, Department of Medicine, Chief of Medical Oncology at Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- University Hospital, Skin Cancer Center, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Merete Haedersdal
- Copenhagen University Hospital, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Kelly L Harms
- Department of Dermatology, the Comprehensive Cancer Center University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor
| | - Conway C Huang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Eva A Hurst
- Distinctive Dermatology, Fairview Heights, IL, USA
| | - Gino K In
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eliot N Mostow
- Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), Rootstown, OH, USA
| | - Myrto Trakatelli
- Associate Professor of Dermatology, Papageorgiou Hospital, Aristotle University Department of Medicine, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kishwer S Nehal
- Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Director, Mohs and Dermatological Surgery; Professor of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Thomas Stasko
- Professor and Chair, The University of Oklahoma Department of Dermatology, OK, USA
| | - Paul A Storrs
- University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Dermatology, IL, USA
| | - Luca Tagliaferri
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Italy
| | | | | | - Siegrid S Yu
- Department of Dermatology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Iris Zalaudek
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Trieste, Italy
| | | | - John A Zitelli
- Clinical Associate Professor of Dermatology, Otolaryngology, Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, PA, USA
| | - Emily Poon
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
| | - Joseph F Sobanko
- Department of Dermatology, Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Division of Dermatologic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Todd V Cartee
- Department of Dermatology, Penn State Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, PA
| | - Ian A Maher
- Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Murad Alam
- Department of Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Otolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL; Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL
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Aesthetic outcome of simple cuticular suture distance from the wound edge on the closure of linear wounds on the head and neck: A randomized evaluator blinded split-wound comparative effect trial. J Am Acad Dermatol 2021; 86:863-867. [PMID: 34757148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2021.10.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little data support the optimal distance of cuticular suture placement from the wound edge to achieve the most cosmetically appealing scar. OBJECTIVE To compare Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) scores for cutaneous sutures spaced 2 mm versus 5 mm from the wound edge in head and neck defects repaired via linear closure. METHODS Fifty patients were enrolled in this randomized, evaluator blinded, split-scar study. Surgical wounds were repaired with cuticular sutures 2 mm from the wound edge on one side and 5 mm on the other. POSAS scores and scar width were compared 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS The sum observer POSAS score for this study had a mean (SD) of 16.06 (6.49) on the 2-mm side and 15.82 (6.83) on the 5-mm side (P = .807). Similarly, no difference was seen between scar width with a mean (SD) of 0.100 cm (0.058 cm) on the 2-mm side and with mean (SD) 0.100 cm (0.076 cm) on the 5-mm side (P = .967). LIMITATIONS Linear repairs were studied on head and neck defects after extirpation of cutaneous malignancies, resulting in a homogeneous elderly white patient population. CONCLUSION Cuticular sutures placed 2 or 5 mm from the wound edge did not result in different cosmetic outcomes in linear closures on the head and neck.
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Joo J, Pourang A, Tchanque-Fossuo CN, Armstrong AW, Tartar DM, King TH, Sivamani RK, Eisen DB. Undermining during cutaneous wound closure for wounds less than 3 cm in diameter: a randomized split wound comparative effectiveness trial. Arch Dermatol Res 2021; 314:697-703. [PMID: 34546436 PMCID: PMC9307554 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-021-02280-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Undermining is thought to improve wound outcomes; however, randomized controlled data regarding its efficacy are lacking in humans. The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to determine whether undermining low to moderate tension wounds improves scar cosmesis compared to wound closure without undermining. Fifty-four patients, 18 years or older, undergoing primary linear closure of a cutaneous defect with predicted postoperative closure length of ≥ 3 cm on any anatomic site were screened. Four patients were excluded, 50 patients were enrolled, and 48 patients were seen in follow-up. Wounds were divided in half and one side was randomized to receive either no undermining or 2 cm of undermining. The other side received the unselected intervention. Three months, patients and 2 masked observers evaluated each scar using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). A total of 50 patients [mean (SD) age, 67.6 (11.5) years; 31 (64.6%) male; 48 (100%) white] were enrolled in the study. The mean (SD) sum of the POSAS observer component scores was 12.0 (6.05) for the undermined side and 11.1 (4.68) for the non-undermined side (P = .60). No statistically significant difference was found in the mean (SD) sum of the patient component for the POSAS score between the undermined side [15.9 (9.07)] and the non-undermined side [13.33 (6.20)] at 3 months. For wounds under low to moderate perceived tension, no statistically significant differences in scar outcome or total complications were noted between undermined wound halves and non-undermined halves. Trail Registry: Clinical trials.gov Identifier NCT02289859. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02289859.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayne Joo
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, 3301 C St, Ste 1400, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA
| | - Aunna Pourang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, 3301 C St, Ste 1400, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA
| | | | - April W Armstrong
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Danielle M Tartar
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, 3301 C St, Ste 1400, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA
| | - Thomas H King
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Raja K Sivamani
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, 3301 C St, Ste 1400, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, California State University, Sacramento, CA, USA.,College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, USA.,Pacific Skin Institute, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Daniel B Eisen
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, 3301 C St, Ste 1400, Sacramento, CA, 95816, USA.
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Thomson J, Hogan S, Leonardi-Bee J, Williams HC, Bath-Hextall FJ. Interventions for basal cell carcinoma of the skin. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 11:CD003412. [PMID: 33202063 PMCID: PMC8164471 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003412.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the commonest cancer affecting white-skinned individuals, and worldwide incidence is increasing. Although rarely fatal, BCC is associated with significant morbidity and costs. First-line treatment is usually surgical excision, but alternatives are available. New published studies and the development of non-surgical treatments meant an update of our Cochrane Review (first published in 2003, and previously updated in 2007) was timely. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for BCC in immunocompetent adults. SEARCH METHODS We updated our searches of the following databases to November 2019: Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and LILACS. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions for BCC in immunocompetent adults with histologically-proven, primary BCC. Eligible comparators were placebo, active treatment, other treatments, or no treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Primary outcome measures were recurrence at three years and five years (measured clinically) (we included recurrence data outside of these time points if there was no measurement at three or five years) and participant- and observer-rated good/excellent cosmetic outcome. Secondary outcomes included pain during and after treatment, early treatment failure within six months, and adverse effects (AEs). We used GRADE to assess evidence certainty for each outcome. MAIN RESULTS We included 52 RCTs (26 new) involving 6690 participants (median 89) in this update. All studies recruited from secondary care outpatient clinics. More males than females were included. Study duration ranged from six weeks to 10 years (average 13 months). Most studies (48/52) included only low-risk BCC (superficial (sBCC) and nodular (nBCC) histological subtypes). The majority of studies were at low or unclear risk of bias for most domains. Twenty-two studies were industry-funded: commercial sponsors conducted most of the studies assessing imiquimod, and just under half of the photodynamic therapy (PDT) studies. Overall, surgical interventions have the lowest recurrence rates. For high-risk facial BCC (high-risk histological subtype or located in the facial 'H-zone' or both), there may be slightly fewer recurrences with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) compared to surgical excision (SE) at three years (1.9% versus 2.9%, respectively) (risk ratio (RR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16 to 2.64; 1 study, 331 participants; low-certainty evidence) and at five years (3.2% versus 5.2%, respectively) (RR 0.61, 95% CI 0.18 to 2.04; 1 study, 259 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, the 95% CI also includes the possibility of increased risk of recurrence and no difference between treatments. There may be little to no difference regarding improvement of cosmetic outcomes between MMS and SE, judged by participants and observers 18 months post-operatively (one study; low-certainty evidence); however, no raw data were available for this outcome. When comparing imiquimod and SE for nBCC or sBCC at low-risk sites, imiquimod probably results in more recurrences than SE at three years (16.4% versus 1.6%, respectively) (RR 10.30, 95% CI 3.22 to 32.94; 1 study, 401 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and five years (17.5% versus 2.3%, respectively) (RR 7.73, 95% CI 2.81 to 21.3; 1 study, 383 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). There may be little to no difference in the number of participant-rated good/excellent cosmetic outcomes (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.06; 1 study, 326 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, imiquimod may result in greater numbers of good/excellent cosmetic outcomes compared to SE when observer-rated (60.6% versus 35.6%, respectively) (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.35 to 2.15; 1 study, 344 participants; low-certainty evidence). Both cosmetic outcomes were measured at three years. Based on one study of 347 participants with high- and low-risk primary BCC of the face, radiotherapy may result in more recurrences compared to SE under frozen section margin control at three years (5.2% versus 0%, respectively) (RR 19.11, 95% CI 1.12 to 325.78; low-certainty evidence) and at four years (6.4% versus 0.6%, respectively) (RR 11.06, 95% CI 1.44 to 84.77; low-certainty evidence). Radiotherapy probably results in a smaller number of good participant- (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.91; 50.3% versus 66.1%, respectively) or observer-rated (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.62; 28.9% versus 60.3%, respectively) good/excellent cosmetic outcomes compared to SE, when measured at four years, where dyspigmentation and telangiectasia can occur (both moderate-certainty evidence). Methyl-aminolevulinate (MAL)-PDT may result in more recurrences compared to SE at three years (36.4% versus 0%, respectively) (RR 26.47, 95% CI 1.63 to 429.92; 1 study; 68 participants with low-risk nBCC in the head and neck area; low-certainty evidence). There were no useable data for measurement at five years. MAL-PDT probably results in greater numbers of participant- (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.27; 97.3% versus 82.5%) or observer-rated (RR 1.87, 95% CI 1.54 to 2.26; 87.1% versus 46.6%) good/excellent cosmetic outcomes at one year compared to SE (2 studies, 309 participants with low-risk nBCC and sBCC; moderate-certainty evidence). Based on moderate-certainty evidence (single low-risk sBCC), imiquimod probably results in fewer recurrences at three years compared to MAL-PDT (22.8% versus 51.6%, respectively) (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.62; 277 participants) and five years (28.6% versus 68.6%, respectively) (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.57; 228 participants). There is probably little to no difference in numbers of observer-rated good/excellent cosmetic outcomes at one year (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.16; 370 participants). Participant-rated cosmetic outcomes were not measured for this comparison. AEs with surgical interventions include wound infections, graft necrosis and post-operative bleeding. Local AEs such as itching, weeping, pain and redness occur frequently with non-surgical interventions. Treatment-related AEs resulting in study modification or withdrawal occurred with imiquimod and MAL-PDT. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Surgical interventions have the lowest recurrence rates, and there may be slightly fewer recurrences with MMS over SE for high-risk facial primary BCC (low-certainty evidence). Non-surgical treatments, when used for low-risk BCC, are less effective than surgical treatments, but recurrence rates are acceptable and cosmetic outcomes are probably superior. Of the non-surgical treatments, imiquimod has the best evidence to support its efficacy. Overall, evidence certainty was low to moderate. Priorities for future research include core outcome measures and studies with longer-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Thomson
- Department of Dermatology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Hogan
- Department of Dermatology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jo Leonardi-Bee
- Centre for Evidence Based Healthcare, Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, Clinical Sciences Building Phase 2, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Hywel C Williams
- Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Fiona J Bath-Hextall
- Emeritus Professor, Evidence Based Health Care, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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Kant SB, Mosterd K, Kelleners-Smeets NWJ, Van der Hulst RRWJ, Piatkowski A. Measuring aesthetic results after facial skin cancer surgery by means of the FACE-Q. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s00238-020-01625-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring type of cancer. However, the influence of facial skin cancer surgery on patients’ perceived aesthetic appearance is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to provide an insight into how patients perceive the aesthetic outcome of facial skin cancer surgery by means of a specialised patient-reported outcome measure designed for the aesthetic evaluation of the face: the FACE-Q.
Methods
A total of 47 patients with non-melanoma skin cancer who were scheduled for Mohs’s micrographic surgery (MMS) or standard surgical excision (SE) were included. These patients filled out three different FACE-Q questionnaires: satisfaction with facial appearance, social function, and satisfaction with outcome. Follow-up was conducted after baseline at 1 month and 3 months post-surgery.
Results
No significant differences were detected between baseline and follow-up regarding social function and satisfaction with facial appearance. However, after 3 months, patients were significantly more satisfied with the result of surgery when compared with the 1-month post-surgery follow-up.
Conclusions
The perceived aesthetic appreciation of patients does not seem to be significantly influenced by facial skin cancer SE or MMS surgery in this 3-month follow-up study.
Level of evidence: Not ratable.
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Sinx KAE, Nelemans PJ, Kelleners-Smeets NWJ, Winnepenninckx VJL, Arits AHMM, Mosterd K. Surgery versus combined treatment with curettage and imiquimod for nodular basal cell carcinoma: One-year results of a noninferiority, randomized, controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; 83:469-476. [PMID: 32320773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Nodular basal cell carcinoma (nBCC) is mostly treated with surgical excision. Interest in minimally invasive treatment of these low-risk tumors is increasing. We assessed the effectiveness of nBCC treatment with curettage and imiquimod cream compared with surgical excision. METHODS Patients with nBCC included in this randomized, controlled noninferiority trial were randomly assigned to either a curettage and imiquimod cream group or a surgical excision group. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients free from treatment failure 1 year after the end of treatment. A prespecified noninferiority margin of 8% was used. A modified intention-to-treat and a per-protocol analysis was performed (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02242929). RESULTS One hundred forty-five patients were randomized: 73 to the curettage and imiquimod cream group and 72 to the surgical excision group. The proportion of patients free of recurrence after 12 months was 86.3% (63/73) for the curettage and imiquimod group and 100% (72/72) for the surgical excision group. The difference in efficacy was -13.7% (95% confidence interval -21.6% to -5.8%; 1-sided P = .0004) favoring surgical excision. CONCLUSION Noninferiority of curettage and imiquimod cream cannot be concluded. Given the still high efficacy of curettage and imiquimod cream and the indolent growth pattern of nBCC, curettage and imiquimod could still be a valuable treatment option with the possibility to prevent overuse of excisions. However, it cannot replace surgical excision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly A E Sinx
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Patty J Nelemans
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole W J Kelleners-Smeets
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Aimee H M M Arits
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Dermatology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Klara Mosterd
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; GROW Research Institute for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Sklar LR, Pourang A, Armstrong AW, Dhaliwal SK, Sivamani RK, Eisen DB. Comparison of Running Cutaneous Suture Spacing During Linear Wound Closures and the Effect on Wound Cosmesis of the Face and Neck: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol 2020; 155:321-326. [PMID: 30649154 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.5057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Importance Surgeons have varying opinions on the ideal cutaneous suture spacing for optimal cosmetic outcomes. To date, no studies concerning the effect of suture spacing on cosmetic outcomes exist in the literature. Objective To compare outcomes and wound cosmesis achieved with running cutaneous sutures spaced 2 vs 5 mm apart. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized clinical trial was conducted at the University of California, Davis dermatology clinic from November 28, 2017, to June 15, 2018. Fifty-six patients 18 years or older with surgical fusiform wounds (from Mohs procedure or surgical excision) on the head or neck with assumed closure lengths of at least 3 cm were screened. Six patients were excluded, 50 patients were enrolled, and 48 patients were followed up. Interventions Fifty surgical fusiform wounds were randomized to running cuticular closure with 2-mm spacing on half and 5-mm spacing on half. Main Outcomes and Measures At 3 months, patients and 2 masked observers evaluated each scar using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Results A total of 50 patients (mean [SD] age, 71.1 [11.4] years; 43 [86%] male; 50 [100%] white) were enrolled in the study. The mean (SD) sum of the POSAS observer component scores was 10.7 (4.3) for the 2-mm interval side and 10.8 (3.5) for the 5-mm side at 3 months (P = .77). No statistically significant difference was found in the mean (SD) sum of the patient component for the POSAS score between the 2-mm interval side (10.2 [4.7]) and the 5-mm interval side (11.5 [6.4]) at 3 months (P = .24). No statistically significant difference was observed in mean (SD) scar width between the 2-mm side (0.9 [0.6] mm) and the 5-mm side (0.8 [0.4] mm; P = .15). Conclusions and Relevance No statistically significant difference in wound cosmesis or total complications were noted between running cuticular sutures spaced 2 vs 5 mm apart. Both suturing techniques resulted in similar cosmetic outcomes and complication rates. Surgeons may want to consider whether the extra time involved in placing very closely spaced cuticular sutures is worthwhile. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03330041.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay R Sklar
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Aunna Pourang
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - April W Armstrong
- Department of Dermatology, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California, Los Angeles
| | - Simran K Dhaliwal
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Raja K Sivamani
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento
| | - Daniel B Eisen
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento
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10
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11
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Deng H, Li-Tsang CW. Measurement of vascularity in the scar: A systematic review. Burns 2019; 45:1253-1265. [DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2018.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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12
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Pourang A, Crispin MK, Clark AK, Armstrong AW, Sivamani RK, Eisen DB. Use of 5-0 Fast Absorbing Gut versus 6-0 Fast Absorbing Gut during cutaneous wound closure on the head and neck: A randomized evaluator-blinded split-wound comparative effectiveness trial. J Am Acad Dermatol 2019; 81:213-218. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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13
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Jansen MHE, Koekelkoren FHJ, Nelemans PJ, Arits AHMM, Roozeboom MH, Kelleners-Smeets NWJ, Mosterd K. Comparison of long-term cosmetic outcomes for different treatments of superficial basal cell carcinoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2018; 79:961-964. [PMID: 29753062 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2018.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maud H E Jansen
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | | | - Patty J Nelemans
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Aimee H M M Arits
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Dermatology, Catharina Hospital, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | | | - Nicole W J Kelleners-Smeets
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Klara Mosterd
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Liu X, Nelemans PJ, Frenk LD, Sengers H, Tuinder SM, Steijlen PM, Mosterd K, Kelleners-Smeets NW. Aesthetic outcome and complications of simple interrupted versus running subcuticular sutures in facial surgery: A randomized controlled trial. J Am Acad Dermatol 2017; 77:911-919. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.04.1128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Kelleners-Smeets NWJ, Mosterd K, Nelemans PJ. Treatment of Low-Risk Basal Cell Carcinoma. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 137:539-540. [PMID: 28235442 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
With the continuously rising incidence and changing populations of patients with basal cell carcinoma, evidence about the different treatment modalities is mandatory. Randomized clinical trials, such as the surgery versus imiquimod for nodular superficial basal cell carcinoma trial, can provide this evidence. Patients can then be informed about all aspects of alternative treatment options so that conscious, shared decisions can be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole W J Kelleners-Smeets
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Klara Mosterd
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands; GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patty J Nelemans
- Department of Epidemiology, CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Liu X, Nelemans P, Van Winden M, Kelleners-Smeets N, Mosterd K. Reliability of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and a 4-point scale in evaluating linear facial surgical scars. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2016; 31:341-346. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.13805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- X. Liu
- Department of Dermatology; Maastricht University Medical Centre; Maastricht The Netherlands
- GROW; School for Oncology and Developmental Biology; Maastricht University Medical Centre; Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - P.J. Nelemans
- Department of Epidemiology; Maastricht University; Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - M. Van Winden
- Department of Surgery; St. Elisabeth Hospital Tilburg; Tilburg The Netherlands
- Former student Maastricht University; The Netherlands
| | - N.W.J. Kelleners-Smeets
- Department of Dermatology; Maastricht University Medical Centre; Maastricht The Netherlands
- GROW; School for Oncology and Developmental Biology; Maastricht University Medical Centre; Maastricht The Netherlands
| | - K. Mosterd
- Department of Dermatology; Maastricht University Medical Centre; Maastricht The Netherlands
- GROW; School for Oncology and Developmental Biology; Maastricht University Medical Centre; Maastricht The Netherlands
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Wang AS, Kleinerman R, Armstrong AW, Fitzmaurice S, Pascucci A, Awasthi S, Ratnarathorn M, Sivamani R, King TH, Eisen DB. Set-back versus buried vertical mattress suturing: Results of a randomized blinded trial. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015; 72:674-80. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2014.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Arits AHMM, Mosterd K, Essers BA, Spoorenberg E, Sommer A, De Rooij MJM, van Pelt HPA, Quaedvlieg PJF, Krekels GAM, van Neer PAFA, Rijzewijk JJ, van Geest AJ, Steijlen PM, Nelemans PJ, Kelleners-Smeets NWJ. Photodynamic therapy versus topical imiquimod versus topical fluorouracil for treatment of superficial basal-cell carcinoma: a single blind, non-inferiority, randomised controlled trial. Lancet Oncol 2013; 14:647-54. [PMID: 23683751 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(13)70143-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Superficial basal-cell carcinoma is most commonly treated with topical non-surgical treatments, such as photodynamic therapy or topical creams. Photodynamic therapy is considered the preferable treatment, although this has not been previously tested in a randomised control trial. We assessed the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy compared with imiquimod or fluorouracil in patients with superficial basal-cell carcinoma. METHODS In this single blind, non-inferiority, randomised controlled multicentre trial, we enrolled patients with a histologically proven superficial basal-cell carcinoma at seven hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients were randomly assigned to receive treatment with methylaminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT; two sessions with an interval of 1 week), imiquimod cream (once daily, five times a week for 6 weeks), or fluorouracil cream (twice daily for 4 weeks). Follow-up was at 3 and 12 months post-treatment. Data were collected by one observer who was blinded to the assigned treatment. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients free of tumour at both 3 and 12 month follow up. A pre-specified non-inferiority margin of 10% was used and modified intention-to-treat analyses were done. This trial is registered as an International Standard Randomised controlled trial (ISRCTN 79701845). FINDINGS 601 patients were randomised: 202 to receive MAL-PDT, 198 to receive imiquimod, and 201 to receive fluorouracil. A year after treatment, 52 of 196 patients treated with MAL-PDT, 31 of 189 treated with imiquimod, and 39 of 198 treated with fluorouracil had tumour residue or recurrence. The proportion of patients tumour-free at both 3 and 12 month follow-up was 72.8% (95% CI 66.8-79.4) for MAL-PDT, 83.4% (78.2-88.9) for imiquimod cream, and 80.1% (74.7-85.9) for fluorouracil cream. The difference between imiquimod and MAL-PDT was 10.6% (95% CI 1.5-19.5; p=0.021) and 7.3% (-1.9 to 16.5; p=0.120) between fluorouracil and MAL-PDT, and between fluorouracil and imiquimod was -3.3% (-11.6 to 5.0; p=0.435. For patients treated with MAL-PDT, moderate to severe pain and burning sensation were reported most often during the actual MAL-PDT session. For other local adverse reactions, local skin redness was most often reported as moderate or severe in all treatment groups. Patients treated with creams more often reported moderate to severe local swelling, erosion, crust formation, and itching of the skin than patients treated with MAL-PDT. In the MAL-PDT group no serious adverse events were reported. One patient treated with imiquimod and two patients treated with fluorouracil developed a local wound infection and needed additional treatment in the outpatient setting. INTERPRETATION Topical fluorouracil was non-inferior and imiquimod was superior to MAL-PDT for treatment of superficial basal-cell carcinoma. On the basis of these findings, imiquimod can be considered the preferred treatment, but all aspects affecting treatment choice should be weighted to select the best treatment for patients. FUNDING Grant of the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research ZONMW (08-82310-98-08626).
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimée H M M Arits
- Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands.
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