Description
Calcipotriene / Fluorouracil Cream
What is Calcipotriene/5-fluorouracil (5-FU)?
Calcipotriene/5-FU is a compounded medication that is used to treat actinic keratosis (AK), a precursor to skin cancer. Calcipotriene increases the anti-cancer activity of the immune system, and when applied topically, it triggers the immune system to suppress the growth of early-stage skin cancer. 5-FU is also an anticancer agent which boosts the immune system and works synergistically with calcipotriene. Studies have shown that the combination of these two agents in the form of a topical cream are more effective in the treatment of AK lesions.
Calcipotriene/5-FU combination is a prescription-only medication that is only available as a compounded cream at some compounding pharmacies.
Calcipotriene/5-fluorouracil side effects:
As this is a topical cream, side effects are typically mild and limited to the skin. Potential side effects include skin irritation, burning, dryness, redness, or tenderness. It is recommended to wash your hands before and after application so that the medication does not cause irritation to other areas of the body.
Self Guided Research:
Listed below are some references to relevant studies and research to help you with your self-guided research:
Cunningham, T. J., Tabacchi, M., Eliane, J.-P., Tuchayi, S. M., Manivasagam, S., Mirzaalian, H., Turkoz, A., Kopan, R., Schaffer, A., Saavedra, A. P., Wallendorf, M., Cornelius, L. A., & Demehri, S. (2017, January 3). Randomized trial of calcipotriol combined with 5-fluorouracil for skin cancer precursor immunotherapy. The Journal of clinical investigation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5199703/.
Rosenberg AR;Tabacchi M;Ngo KH;Wallendorf M;Rosman IS;Cornelius LA;Demehri S; (n.d.). Skin cancer precursor immunotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma prevention. JCI insight. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30895944/.
Teresa Sarandeses Diez, M., Caral Vanaclocha, I., Lemaitre, S., & Gónzález Candial, M. (2021). Topical treatment with calcipotriol combined with 5-fluorouracil for premalignant periocular lesions. Journal Français D’Ophtalmologie, 44(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfo.2020.04.030
Yeh, J. E., Nazarian, R. M., & Lorenzo, M. E. (2021, January 23). Treatment of porokeratosis of Mibelli with combined use of topical fluorouracil and calcipotriene. JAAD case reports. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7893326/.
