Nonsurgical treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer in the mature patient

Clin Dermatol. 2018 Mar-Apr;36(2):177-187. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2017.10.009. Epub 2017 Nov 3.

Abstract

Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer, with the median age at NMSC diagnosis is 71 years. Treatment options for NMSC include surgical therapy, which is usually the first-choice treatment, and nonsurgical modalities. Therapeutic modalities depend on tumor localization, histologic type, and biologic behavior, as well as patient comorbidities, age, and life expectancy. Nonsurgical treatments include cryotherapy, local therapies (imiquimod, 5-fluorouracil, ingenol mebutate, and diclofenac), photodynamic therapy, radiotherapy, and hedgehog inhibitors. Some of these treatments can be combined with curettage and electrodesiccation for better outcomes. Every treatment modality has advantages and disadvantages that must be carefully considered individually. Because the facial area is the most common localization of NMSC, treatment modalities with better cosmetic outcome are preferred. Although NMSC mostly occurs in the elderly, this review is focused on the features and nonsurgical therapy of NMSC in deep old age (≥85) and long-lived persons (aged >95); however, clinical trials very rarely involve this population group due to poor cooperation or poor general condition of these patients; thus, the respective knowledge being generally based on clinical experience.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aminoquinolines / therapeutic use
  • Anilides / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Biphenyl Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / etiology
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / etiology
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Cryosurgery
  • Curettage
  • Desiccation
  • Diclofenac / therapeutic use
  • Diterpenes / therapeutic use
  • Fluorouracil / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Photochemotherapy*
  • Pyridines / therapeutic use
  • Radiotherapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy*

Substances

  • 3-ingenyl angelate
  • Aminoquinolines
  • Anilides
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biphenyl Compounds
  • Diterpenes
  • HhAntag691
  • Pyridines
  • sonidegib
  • Diclofenac
  • Imiquimod
  • Fluorouracil