fluorouracil 5% cream

Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a small molecule antimetabolite chemotherapy agent widely used in oncology. In its topical 5% cream formulation, it is primarily indicated for the treatment of actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma. The VA Office of Research and Development conducted the Veterans Affairs Keratinocyte Carcinoma Chemoprevention Trial (VAKCCT) to evaluate whether a short, intensive course (twice daily for 2-4 weeks) of 5-FU cream applied to the face and ears could prevent the development of new keratinocyte carcinomas in high-risk veterans. The trial demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma requiring surgery within the first year post-treatment, although the effect on basal cell carcinoma was less pronounced. The drug works by interfering with DNA synthesis through the inhibition of thymidylate synthase.

Brand names

EfudexCaracFluoroplexTolak

Other names

5-fluorouracil5-FUtopical fluorouracil