If your doctor or dermatologist determines that a topical skin cancer treatment is the best course of action, they will either prescribe a topical chemotherapy cream or topical immunotherapy cream. Learn more about each of these topical skin cancer treatments below.
Topical chemotherapy cream for skin cancer
A topical chemotherapy cream called 5‑fluorouracil (5‑FU) is often used for the treatment of sunspots, as well as SCC in-situ or Bowen’s disease and superficial BCC.
How does this topical treatment work?
Fluorouracil is among a group of chemotherapy drugs known as anti-metabolites. Anti-metabolites stop cancer cells from making and repairing DNA, which is how skin cancer cells grow and multiply. 5‑FU chemotherapy cream destroys the fast-growing cells in the skin, such as the abnormal cells in BCC.
How is topical chemotherapy cream used?
Generally speaking, patients will apply this topical chemotherapy cream to the specific skin cancer spots on their skin twice a day for around 4 weeks. However, it may need to be used for a longer period in some cases. Your prescribing doctor or dermatologist will give you exact guidance on how to apply 5‑FU cream, including how much and how often, depending on your unique case.
What are the side effects of topical chemotherapy creams?
When using a topical chemotherapy cream like 5‑FU, your skin can become red, irritated and sore, and it may crack, peel or blister. These uncomfortable effects will usually remain for the duration of your treatment and subside a few weeks after you stop using the cream.
5‑FU cream will also make your skin highly sensitive to UV radiation, which means you’ll need to avoid sun exposure during treatment.
Topical immunotherapy cream for skin cancer
A topical immunotherapy cream called imiquimod may also be used for the treatment of superficial BCC and SCC in-situ.
How does this topical treatment work?
Imiquimod immunotherapy cream works by alerting your body’s immune system to the skin cancer cells and triggering it to kill them. It essentially helps to jump-start the natural immune defences in the skin to destroy the abnormal cells of the BCC or SCC.
How is topical immunotherapy cream used?
For the treatment of superficial BCCs, topical immunotherapy cream is usually applied to the affected area on the skin for 5 days a week over 6 weeks. However, your doctor or dermatologist will advise you on how much and how often to apply the cream, depending on the type of superficial skin cancer you are being treated for.
What are the side effects of topical immunotherapy creams?
A few days after using imiquimod immunotherapy cream, you may notice your skin becoming red, sore and sensitive when touched. Some people also experience itching and burning in the area where the cream is used. Your skin will likely crack, peel and scab over before healing.
Topical immunotherapy for skin cancer may also cause some more serious side effects, such as fever, muscle and joint aches, headaches or a rash. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the immunotherapy cream and consult with your doctor immediately.
