Topical Imiquimod or Fluorouracil Therapy for Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Evidence supports the use of topical imiquimod as monotherapy for superficial BCC and topical fluorouracil as monotherapy for superficial BCC and SCC in situ. Based on the available evidence, the strength of any recommendations for the use of these 2 agents in the primary treatment of these tumors is weak. We recommend that their use be limited to patients with small tumors in low-risk locations who will not or cannot undergo treatment with better-established therapies for which long-term clearance rates have been determined. Long-term clinical follow-up is essential for patients treated with topical imiquimod or fluorouracil. Limitations of therapy include high rates of adverse effects, lower clearance rates than other treatment modalities, dependence on patient adherence to treatment, and higher costs than other therapies.